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medium height ornamental grasses

Medium height ornamental grasses are a fantastic addition to any New Zealand garden, offering year-round interest, structure, and an effortless sense of movement. With their elegant forms, these versatile grasses typically reach between 60cm and 1.5m tall, making them perfect for borders, mass planting, or adding soft texture to modern landscapes. Whether you’re after feathery plumes, striking foliage, or a low-maintenance alternative to traditional hedging, medium height ornamental grasses provide plenty of options for every style of planting.

Carex 'Frosted Curls' plants with elegant green foliage growing in a pot with other plants.

Carex Frosted Curls

5 from 1 customers

Carex Frosted Curls is an ornamental grass with slender, hair-like, iridescent foliage that shimmers in light breezes. It typically grows to 30 cm tall and 40 cm wide, performing best when planted on a well-drained site in full sun or partial shade.

From $11.50

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 30 cm
Spread: 40 cm
Tolerances: Coastal
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Native
Lomandra longifolia plant beside a path with lush, green foliage.

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass)

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass) is a resilient, evergreen ornamental grass native to Australia. Growing to approximately 60 cm in height and 65 cm in width, it features graceful, deep green foliage and produces yellow flower spikes in spring.

From $19.25

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Grasses
Height: 60 cm
Spread: 65 cm
Flowering time: Spring
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern
Lomandra Nyalla grass with blue-green foliage in a border planting.
Lomandra Nyalla

Lomandra Nyalla is a hardy ornamental grass featuring delicate, lush green foliage and a graceful, arching form. Reaching approximately 80 cm in...

From$19.25
Carex solandri grass in a NZ native planting.
Carex solandri

Carex solandri is a NZ native, ornamental grass that features attractive, dark green foliage. The foliage emerges upright and develops a gentle and...

From$11.50
Lomandra 'Katrinus Deluxe' plant with lush, dark green foliage.
Lomandra Katrinus Deluxe

Lomandra Katrinus Deluxe is an evergreen, ornamental grass known for its mid-green, arching foliage and tidy clumping habit. Growing to approximately...

From$17.87
Acorus gramineus variegata plants growing in pots with green and cream foliage.
Acorus gramineus variegatus

Acorus gramineus variegatus, commonly known as Variegated Sweet Flag, is an attractive ornamental grass-like plant prized for its elegant green and...

From$12.95
Carex comans green plants with dense, green foliage in a garden.
Carex comans Green

Carex comans Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass featuring slender and arching, lime green foliage. It grows as a tidy clump to about 40 cm tall...

From$11.50
Carex flagellifera Red plants.
Carex flagellifera Red

Carex flagellifera Red is a NZ native, ornamental grass grown for its colourful and attractive foliage. It produces slender and lush, copper-red...

From$11.50
Lomandra Lime Tuff in a garden showing elegant foliage.
Lomandra Lime Tuff

Lomandra 'Lime Tuff' is a hardy evergreen ornamental grass valued for its vibrant lime green foliage and compact tidy growth habit. This versatile...

From$17.87
Lomandra Tankia with lush green foliage bordering a path.
Lomandra 'Tanika'

Lomandra Tanika is a hardy, Australian Native grass that is commonly known as Mat Rush. This grass features fine, deep-green foliage and a graceful...

From$24.77
Dactylis glomerata plant with a cat.
Dactylis glomerata (Cat Grass)

Dactylis glomerata, commonly known as Cat Grass or Catnip Grass, is a popular grass that is loved by cats. It features flowing, green foliage held as...

From$22.01
Poa cita grass plants on a plateau overlooing the sea.
Poa cita

Poa cita, commonly known as Silver Tussock, is a clump-forming NZ native grass with delicate, green foliage that wafts gracefully in the breeze. It...

From$9.95
isolepsis-cernua-1
Isolepis cernua (Scirpus cernua)

Isolepis cernua (Fiber Optic Grass) is a distinctive ornamental grass prized for its fine green stems tipped with tiny white flowers that resemble...

From$16.49
Lomandra 'Echidna' grass growing as a mass planting beside a path.
Lomandra Echidna

The Lomandra Echidna grass is a tough and reliable plant with outstanding aesthetics. It features lush, mid-green foliage held upright with a gentle...

From$17.87
Chrysopogon zizanioides grass plants growing alongside a stream.
Chrysopogon zizanioides

Chrysopogon zizanioides (Vetiver Grass) is a hardy, evergreen clump forming grass renowned for its deep root system, attractive upright foliage, and...

From$20.63
Carex dissita (Purei) plant growing in a native garden.
Carex dissita (Purei)

Carex dissita, commonly known as Purei or Forest Sedge, features arching, mid-green leaves that radiate from a central clump. It typically grows to...

From$12.95
Lomandra Frosty Tops with lush blue foliage in a garden.
Lomandra Frosty Tops

Lomandra Frosty Tops is a hardy, evergreen grass featuring elegant, blue-grey foliage and a soft, weeping form. Growing to around 50 cm tall and...

From$19.25
Lomandra Green Allure plant with lush, green foliage.
Lomandra Green Allure

Lomandra Green Allure is widely used in landscaping projects across NZ. It is commonly mass planted as a ground cover or on a bank, included in...

From$19.25
Ophiopogon japonicus Silver Mist grass in a garden.
Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' (Silver Mondo Grass)

Ophiopogon 'Silver Mist' is a dwarf silver Mondo Grass, and features fine, grass-like foliage that is variegated dark green and white. It typically...

From$6.95
Lomandra Little Pal plants with lush green foliage.
Lomandra Little Pal

Lomandra Little Pal is a compact ornamental grass grown for its fine, green-yellow foliage and tidy, rounded form. Growing to approximately 60 cm in...

From$19.25
Red Tussock (chionochloa rubra) growing in their natural environment.
Chionochloa rubra

Chionochloa rubra, commonly known as Red Tussock, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its tall, arching foliage in shades of bronze...

From$15.95
Ophiopogon planiscapus (Mondo Grass) with lush green foliage growing as a ground cover.
Ophiopogon planiscapus

Ophiopogon planiscapus, commonly known as Dwarf Lilyturf, is a Mondo grass grown for its fine, dark green foliage and short stature. The foliage is...

From$6.95
Sisyrinchium californicum plants with yellow flowers and fine, green foliage.
Sisyrinchium californicum

Sisyrinchium californicum, commonly known as the Golden Eyed Grass, is an herbaceous perennial grown for both its foliage and flowers. It bears...

From$17.25
Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens (Black Mondo) plants with lush, black foliage.
Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens

Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, commonly known as Black Mondo Grass, is a clump-forming plant with fine, near black foliage. The foliage is...

From$9.95
Carex comans Bronze plant in a garden with dense bronze foliage.
Carex comans Bronze

Carex comans Bronze features slender, hair-like, bronze-brown foliage. It typically grows to 40 cm tall and the same width. Carex comans Bronze is...

From$9.95
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga) plants in flower with lush green foliage in a border garden.
Arthropodium cirratum (Rengarenga Lily)

Arthropodium cirratum, commonly known as Rengarenga Lily or New Zealand Rock Lily, is a clump-forming, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. It...

From$9.95
Carex buchananii with lush brown foliage growing as a specimen plant in a rock garden.
Carex buchananii (Buchanans Sedge)

Carex buchananii, commonly known as Leatherleaf Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass-like plant with delicate, upright, copper-bronze...

From$11.50
Orange foliage on Carex testacea.
Carex testacea

Carex testacea, commonly known as Orange Sedge, is a striking New Zealand native grass admired for its fine, arching foliage that turns a brilliant...

From$12.95
Juncus edgariae (Wiwi) plants growing in a wetland.
Juncus edgariae (Edgar's Rush)

Juncus edgariae, commonly known as Wiwi, is the most prevalent species of Rush in New Zealand and grows as a tight clump with bright green, stem-like...

From$16.49
Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe) plants in a garden with cascading green foliage and white flower plumes.
Austroderia fulvida (Toetoe)

Austroderia fulvida, commonly known as Toetoe or Toi Toi, is a large and vigorous NZ native grass. It bears long, narrow, mid-green leaves that are...

From$13.73
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush) plants growing in sand and displaying lush, green foliage.
Ficinia nodosa (Knobby Club Rush)

Ficinia nodosa, commonly known as Knobby Club Rush, is a NZ native grass that features stout, mid-green foliage. In cold or exposed climates, the...

From$14.84
Cyperus ustulatus growing in water.
Cyperus ustulatus (Giant Umbrella Sedge)

Cyperus ustulatus, commonly known as the Giant Umbrella Sedge, is a large and robust NZ native grass. It grows as a clump and produces dark green...

From$17.25
Carex Frosted Curls

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acorus, Carex, and Lomandra, or related Categories - Grasses.

Search medium height ornamental grasses

Why Choose Medium Height Ornamental Grasses?

Medium height ornamental grasses are prized for their ability to thrive in a range of conditions, from coastal gardens to urban settings. Their moderate size makes them highly adaptable — they’re large enough to make an impact yet restrained enough to work in small spaces or in combination with perennials and shrubs. Gardeners love their drought tolerance, low maintenance needs, and resilience against pests and diseases. Most importantly, their beautiful flower heads, arching blades, and delicate seed plumes add texture and movement, changing with the seasons and transforming under shifting light.

Top Medium Height Ornamental Grasses for NZ Gardens

When selecting medium height ornamental grasses, it’s essential to choose varieties that will suit your specific conditions and design goals. Some of the most popular and dependable choices for New Zealand gardens include:

Miscanthus Gracillimus

Known for its graceful, arching green foliage, Miscanthus Gracillimus grows to around 1.5 metres and produces silky flower plumes in late summer. It’s ideal for adding height and a light, airy texture to mixed borders and looks stunning when mass planted.

Lomandra White Sands

For a hardy, evergreen option, Lomandra White Sands shines with its creamy white variegated leaves and tidy clumping habit. This grass performs in full sun to part shade, tolerates drought, and provides year-round structure at a manageable height.

Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass)

A NZ favourite for public spaces and home gardens alike, Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass) is a robust choice. It features strappy, bright green leaves and handles tough conditions, thriving in sun or shade.

Hakonechloa macra 'Albostriata'

If you love striking foliage, Hakonechloa macra 'Albostriata' is a standout. Its slender, arching leaves, striped in green and cream, create a cascading effect — perfect for shaded borders or beneath trees.

Miscanthus 'Zebrinus'

With its unique horizontal gold banding, Miscanthus 'Zebrinus' is a real showstopper in the medium height ornamental grasses group. Growing to about 1.2 metres, it brings both drama and softness to garden beds and screens.

Designing with Medium Height Ornamental Grasses

Medium height ornamental grasses are incredibly versatile. Plant as focal points in borders, blend with flowering perennials for a naturalistic effect, or use as informal screens along pathways. Their swaying seed heads capture the light beautifully throughout the year, and many varieties hold their structure into winter for continued interest.

By choosing from the outstanding range of medium height ornamental grasses like Miscanthus Gracillimus, Lomandra White Sands, and Hakonechloa macra 'Albostriata', you can create dynamic, low-maintenance landscapes with lasting impact.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
We love Azara microphylla and Corokia 'Mangatangi' as much as anyone, but part of the fun is discovering Prunus 'Pink Cloud', Viburnum bodnantense 'Dawn', and Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree).
–The Plant Company

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