While most ornamental grasses do best in an open sunny position some lower growing woodland varieties grow perfectly in a shady border and can really brighten up a dull corner of the garden.

Hakonechloa macra Aureola (picture above) (Japanese Forest Grass)
Beautiful cascading clump forming grass with striking dark green striping that always looks stunning in a shady spot or container.   For great effect plant with other ornamental foliage plants such as hostas or Japanese maples. Cut back early spring to allow new shoots to emerge.

Hakonecloa macra ‘Beni Kaze’ .  Burgundy wine coloured tints on foliage in the Autumn.

Hakonechloa macra ‘Stripe It Rich’ (picture below right) A new variety which has refreshing fresh lime stripy leaves.

Stipa arundinacea (Pheasant Tail Grass) (Pictured above left)
This graceful pheasant tail grass can be grown in shade where the foliage stays green but for a striking pinky orange colour grow in full sun. plants do tend to natualize in gardens self seeding them selfs around but causing little trouble!. Native to New Zealand.

Luzula nivea (Snowy Woodrush)
Easy to grow in a shady garden. This woodland rush with hairy leaves has tight clusters of white flowers in the summer time . Native to southern Europe. Can be used as gound cover.