tall ornamental grass

Why Choose Tall Ornamental Grass?

Tall ornamental grass plants are beloved for their architectural silhouette, making them the perfect design element for both modern and cottage gardens. Their height provides instant impact, while their low-maintenance nature suits both avid gardeners and those seeking fuss-free landscaping options. These grasses thrive in New Zealand's diverse climate, tolerating wind, coastal exposure, and periods of dry weather. Many tall varieties produce spectacular flower plumes that attract native birds and beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity in your landscape.

Favourite Tall Ornamental Grass Varieties

When choosing a tall ornamental grass, it’s important to consider how it will integrate with your existing garden or native planting schemes. Some of our most popular choices include:

• Restio tetraphyllus (Tassel Grass): Renowned for its slender, upright form and delicate “tassel” heads, this New Zealand native can reach impressive heights, making it an attractive option for both mass plantings and striking standalone specimens.

• Miscanthus Gracillimus: With graceful arching leaves and feathery plumes, Miscanthus Gracillimus delivers a lush, softening effect in borders, screens, or around ponds. It offers reliable height and a refined silvery flower display in late summer and autumn.

• Lomandra White Sands: While not as tall as some Miscanthus or Restio, this tough Lomandra hybrid brings clean architectural lines and creamy-white foliage for a luminous effect. It works wonderfully at the base of taller grasses for layer and contrast.

• Lomandra Shara: A standout for its fine blue-green strappy leaves, Lomandra Shara forms dense clumps that work well in coastal zones and windy sites. Plant in drifts or as a companion to taller ornamental grass species for a stunning, waterwise display.

• Carex Frosted Curls: While more compact, this Carex species is often paired with taller grasses for added movement and texture, creating striking and easy-care combinations in mass plantings or feature pots.

Designing with Tall Ornamental Grass

Using tall ornamental grass in your garden lets you play with scale, create privacy, and frame garden vistas. Position these grasses at the rear of borders, along driveways, or as informal hedging. They pair beautifully with flowering perennials, compact grasses like Carex Frosted Curls, or native shrubs. Many are drought tolerant and require only occasional trimming to look their best.

Tall Ornamental Grass – Low Effort, High Impact

Whether you’re updating an urban courtyard, planting out a rural block, or adding points of interest to a coastal garden, tall ornamental grass delivers natural structure, movement, and year-round beauty. Explore standout varieties like Restio tetraphyllus (Tassel Grass), Miscanthus Gracillimus, and more to find the right fit for your New Zealand garden. Let nature’s elegance inspire your next garden project with these versatile and reliable grasses.