Acorus calamus ‘Argenteostriatus’

An undemanding evergreen, the sweet rush, or sweet flag, thrives in damp or boggy soils, making it the perfect plant for the shallows of a pond edge. Like all acorus, it is non-invasive, and its strong cream variegation will remain vivid, even in deep shade. Height 18 in (45 cm) – Width 18 in (45 cm)

Anemanthele lessoniana

Fine-leaved pheasant’s-tail grass has a pleasing arching habit. In summer, it produces purplish flower spikes; in winter, the evergreen leaves turn an eye-catching orange-brown. Leave the seedheads—hungry birds will quickly tidy them up during winter. The plant may need protection in cold areas. Height 3 ft (1 m) – Width 4 ft (1.2 m)

Arundo donax var. versicolor

The striking variegation of the evergreen giant reed (the white stripes turn a creamy yellow in summer) makes it a popular choice, although it is less vigorous than the green form and not as hardy. In cold areas, enjoy it outdoors in summer, then bring it under cover for the winter; grow it in a pot for flexibility. Height 7 ft (2.2 m) – Width 6 ft (2 m)

Briza maxima

One of the most attractive of the annual grasses, quaking grass is easy to grow from seed (sow into individual modules for the best results). The nodding flowerheads rattle in the lightest breeze, making it clear how the common name arose. The stems dry well for flower arranging. Height 12 in (30 cm) – Width 9 in (23 cm)

Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Overdam’

Use the striped feather reed to make a strong vertical accent in prairie-style planting. As the leaves emerge in spring, there is a pink tinge to the green and white variegation; cutting the foliage back in late summer will encourage a second flush of new growth. Unfussy, the plant tolerates most soils. Height 3 ft (1 m) – Width 4 ft (1.2 m)

Carex buchananii

This striking evergreen sedge from New Zealand has slender, coppery-brown leaves with a hint of a curl. It is stiffly upright when young, becoming more arching with age, and it contrasts well with golden sedges and blue grasses. In early spring, comb out any dead leaves with a fork, or cut them back. Height 2 ft (60 cm) – Width 2 ft (60 cm)

Carex elata ‘Aurea’

Deservedly one of the most widely grown sedges, Bowles’ golden sedge produces a broad spray of vibrant yellow leaves, edged in green. In summer there is the added bonus of feathery brown flower spikes. A compact, deciduous plant, it produces its best color in partial shade. Height 30 in (75 cm) – Width 3 ft (1 m)

Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’

The low-arching habit of this neat evergreen sedge makes it a useful plant for containers or as ground cover in shade, where its long golden yellow and thinly striped green leaves add a touch of light color. Like many sedges, it is happy in boggy soil and makes a decorative addition to poolside plantings. Height 20 in (50 cm) – Width 8 in (45 cm)

Carex testacea

In full sun, the hair-thin, olive-yellow leaves of this sedge develop orange tints. In midsummer, small brown flower spikes appear. A New Zealand plant, it forms dense, evergreen mounds, but it is not as hardy as its relatives and it may need winter protection in cold areas. Height 18 in (45 cm) – Width 3 ft (1 m)

Cortaderia selloana ‘Aureolineata’

Ideal for small gardens, this dwarf pampas is half the size of the parent species, and has broad leaves with golden edges that become more richly colored as the season progresses. The colorful leaves and silky plume-like flowerheads add a dramatic highlight to late summer borders and gravel gardens. Height 5 ft (1.5 m) – Width 5 ft (1.5 m)

Cortaderia selloana ‘Pumila’

Hardier and more free-flowering than the taller species, this dwarf pampas grass mixes surprisingly well in a border. Long-lasting golden-brown plumes are produced in summer on stout stems. Combing through the leaves with a hand fork in winter will keep the clump looking tidy. Height 6 ft (2 m) – Width 6 ft (2 m)

Deschampsia flexuosa ‘Tatra Gold’

Wavy hair grass forms slowly-spreading tufts of fine evergreen leaves. ‘Tatra Gold’ grows well in moist shade, where it’s acid-green leaves look almost luminous. In summer, it produces a shimmering haze of red-brown flowers. Plant it in large drifts among bright leaved sedges for a dramatic effect. Height 6 in (15 cm)  - Width 6 in (15 cm)

Elymus magellanicus

Blue wheatgrass is so-named because of its wonderful blue color—it looks stunning against a gravel mulch—and the herringbone flowerheads that look like ears of wheat. It forms slow-spreading, rather sprawling clumps of evergreen leaves that need winter protection in cold areas. Height 18 in (45 cm) – Width 18 in (45 cm)

Fargesia murielae

A tough plant for tough situations, this evergreen bamboo copes well with dry soils and exposed sites, and makes an effective windbreak or screen. The closely spaced, arching canes are slow-spreading, and it won’t engulf its neighbors. Use it at the back of a border or in a container. Height 12 ft (4 m) – Width 12 ft (4 m)

Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’

One of those useful plants that look good year-round, the silvery-blue, needle-like leaves of this fescue form neat, round mounds. In summer, the plant produces spikes of small blue flowers that age to brown. It is particularly effective grown as a container plant, contrasting well with terracotta and metal. Height 12 in (30 cm) – Width 24 in (60 cm)

Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’

A beautiful slow-growing, deciduous grass from Japan that deserves to be the centerpiece in a container or a dry gravel border. The low-arching, golden yellow leaves, which are thinly striped with lime green, develop a warm reddish tinge in fall. Cut back in early spring to encourage new growth. Height 10 in (25 cm) – Width 3 ft (1 m)

Imperata cylindrica ‘Rubra’

Japanese blood grass is undisputedly one of the finest foliage plants—fluffy white flowerspikes are a bonus in summer. Position it carefully, so the crimson-tipped, upright leaves are backlit by the sun. In cold areas, grow it in a container and bring under cover during winter. Height 18 in (45 cm) – Width 6 ft (2 m)

Lagurus ovatus

A popular garden plant because of its fluffy flowerheads, the hare’s-tail grass is a tufted annual that can be grown easily from seed sown in situ in spring. The soft, hairy spikelets, pale green at first, maturing to pale cream, form in summer and can be cut for indoor displays. Height to 20 in (50 cm) Width 12 in (30 cm)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’

A dainty-looking subject for a grass garden or mixed border, maiden grass produces a shock of narrow green leaves with white midribs. After the late summer flush, the curved leaves take on a bronzy hue as temperatures cool. Leave in place as a structural element through the winter. Height 4½ ft (1.3 m) – Width 4 ft (1.2 m)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Kleine Silberspinne’

An attractive ornamental grass with colorful, curving plumes, this miscanthus does not grow as tall as the species. In late summer and early fall, silky white and red flower spikes appear, turning to silver as they age and lasting all winter. Cut down to ground level in spring before new growth emerges. Height 4 ft (1.2 m) – Width 4 ft (1.2 m)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Malepartus’

One of the easiest of the miscanthus to establish, ‘Malepartus’ looks good spilling onto a lawn or path edge where it can be seen at close quarters. Feathery reddishbrown flowerheads, maturing to cream, appear from late summer to fall among the cascading green foliage. Height 6 ft (2 m) – Width 6 ft (2 m)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Silberfeder’

This cultivar is grown mainly for its fall show of red-tinged, creamy flowers that last well and are held above narrow, green foliage. ‘Silberfeder’ needs space to be seen at its best and a site that doesn’t get waterlogged. Plant in front of a dark-leaved hedge for a perfect backdrop. Height 8 ft (2.5 m) – Width 4 ft (1.2 m)

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’

Easily confused with the more upright-growing M. sinensis ‘Strictus’, ‘Zebrinus’ has a more lax habit and spreads more readily. The unusual horizontal bands of pale cream variegation make it an interesting subject for a grass garden or large zinc planter. The brown deciduous foliage offers winter interest. Height to 4 ft (1.2 m) – Width 4 ft (1.2 m)

Molinia caerulea subsp. caerulea ‘Variegata’

This is a densely tufted perennial with boldly variegated green and cream leaves. From spring through to fall, purple-tinged flowers are borne on yellow flower stems. The whole plant matures to a pale bronzy-brown in fall, an effect that looks striking in a gravel garden. Height 18–24 in (45–60 cm) – Width 16 in (40 cm)

Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’

Few plants are as deeply colored as this clump-forming, tufted perennial. Although not strictly a grass, its appearance and habit make it a useful plant in garden plans where grasses predominate. It also looks dramatic in pale-colored containers. Small, pale purplish-white flowers appear in summer. Height 8 in (20 cm) – Width 12 in (30 cm)

Panicum virgatum ‘Heavy Metal’

A deciduous perennial grass with stiff, upright, steely grayish green leaves. In favorable conditions, the foliage will turn yellow in fall, gradually fading to pale brown in winter. Wispy flowerheads bearing purple-green flowers emerge during summer. Plant in clumps of threes or fives for impact. Height 3 ft (1 m) – Width 30 in (75 cm)

Pennisetum alopecuroides

Also known appropriately as the fountain grass, this evergreen perennial has narrow, mid-green leaves that tumble from the center of the plant, joined in summer and fall by flowing, bristly, decorative flowerheads. It needs a warm, sheltered site since it is not fully hardy. Height 2–5 ft (0.6–1.5 m) – Width 2–4 ft (0.6–1.2 m)

Phalaris arundinacea var. picta

Gardeners’ garters is a vigorous, spreading plant, useful for lightening a shady corner or in a cottage garden. Trim untidy leaves in late summer to maintain a neat look. New plantlets will spread if the clump is not kept in check, so grow in a container sunk into the ground if this is a concern. Height to 3 ft (1 m) – Width indefinite

Phyllostachys aureosulcata f. aureocaulis

A delightful mix of green-streaked yellow stems and green, tapering leaves make this evergreen bamboo a popular garden choice. The yellow-groove bamboo, as it is known, is a vigorous plant and is recommended for larger gardens, where it can be used as a screen. It can also be grown in containers. Height 10–20 ft (3–6 m) – Width indefinite

Phyllostachys nigra

The black bamboo is a popular plant for contemporary gardens, grown for its distinctive stems, which are initially green and then turn glossy black, contrasting well with the fresh green leaves. It has a tall, upright habit, so grow for impact in a border, or in blocks in a modernist garden plan. Height 10–15 ft (3–5 m) – Width 6–10 ft (2–3 m)

Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis

Like many bamboos, this is a vigorous, fast-growing plant. The bright yellow canes are flecked with green and it has slim, arching foliage. Plant it in a large container, or surround the plant’s roots below soil level with an impenetrable barrier to control its spread. Height to 25 ft (8 m) – Width 12 ft (4 m)

Stipa gigantea

Giant feather grass is a fabulous plant for the garden, commanding a prime position in a raised bed or mixed border in full sun. Tall, fluttering plumes of flowers emerge above the evergreen foliage in summer; the stems create a transparent screen, allowing shorter plants to be seen behind them. Height to 8 ft (2.5 m) – Width 4 ft (1.2 m)

Stipa tenuissima

In summer, this neat, compact, deciduous perennial produces soft feathery stems with green flowerheads that fade to buff. The fine leaves gently wave in the slightest breeze, and contrast well with dark green foliage plants. The fall seedheads are very attractive to birds. Height 24 in (60 cm) – Width 12 in (30 cm)

Uncinia rubra

The tough ochre-red leaves of this evergreen perennial are three-angled and upright, joined in mid- and late summer by dark brown flowers. It makes an unusual specimen for a gravel or scree garden where the soil is free-draining but not too dry. Protect from the elements in very cold winters. Height 12 in (30 cm) – Width 14 in (35 cm)