Gardens used to mean a few boring patches of green turf and maybe some tired petunias. But now, summer planting requires a bit more architectural flair and serious drought resistance.
Finding the Best Grasses to Plant in Summer can totally transform your dry yard into a striking, breezy oasis. Let us look at eight fantastic options that actually survive the July heat.
Key Takeaways
- Check the mature height and spread of each grass so you do not accidentally crowd your garden beds.
- Verify whether the plant prefers full sun or partial shade before committing it to a scorching spot.
- Look for drought tolerance ratings if you live in a particularly arid summer climate.
- Pay attention to hardiness zones to know if your new grasses will return next year as perennials.
- Read the container specifications to determine if you need to buy separate pots for patio placement.
| Ultimate Shade Champion |  |
Stained Glass Hosta Flower Root | Thrives in deep shade | Attracts local pollinators | Easy container growth | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Zero Maintenance Solution |  |
Artificial Outdoor Greenery Onion Grass | No watering needed | Indoor and outdoor use | Vibrant color mix | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Dramatic Vertical Accent |  |
Live White Pampas Grass Plants | Fully rooted starters | Striking vertical height | Pack of two | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Soft Cloud Aesthetic |  |
Pink Muhly Grass Live Plants | Beautiful pink blooms | Dense green foliage | Perennial garden staple | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Graceful Color Splash |  |
Rose Fountain Grass Live Plants | Graceful arching form | Warm rose coloring | Hardy perennial nature | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Drought Tolerant Color |  |
Red Fountain Grass Pennisetum Setaceum | Dark burgundy foliage | Strong drought tolerance | Great for containers | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Summer Bloom Specialist |  |
Super Blue Liriope Ornamental Grass | Striking blue-green leaves | Lavender summer blooms | Generous pot size | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Pollinator Magnet Mix |  |
Clovers Garden Lantana Camara Flowers | Multi-colored summer blooms | Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds | Natural pest deterrent | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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Stained Glass Hosta Flower Root
If your yard suffers from a lack of direct sunlight, you need a plant that thrives in the gloom. This perennial root variety brings bright color to dim corners while naturally attracting local pollinators to your garden.
You will appreciate how easily it establishes itself in containers or traditional garden beds. But remember that hostas require consistent moisture to keep their foliage from burning during peak heat.
- Plant Type:Perennial
- Sunlight Requirement:Shade
- Container Suitability:Excellent for pots
- Additional Feature:Naturalizing growth habit
- Additional Feature:Perennializing root structure
- Additional Feature:Great for outdoor gardens
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Artificial Outdoor Greenery Onion Grass
Sometimes you just want the look of lush greenery without the watering schedule. This set of artificial onion grasses brings vibrant color to indoor or outdoor spaces without demanding a single drop of hydration.
The mixed green and red tones add visual interest instantly. Just keep in mind that fake plants lack the charm and ecological benefits of living flora.
- Plant Type:Artificial plant
- Foliage Color:Green and red
- Container Suitability:Perfect for planters
- Additional Feature:Plush fake shrubs included
- Additional Feature:Faux greenery wheat grass
- Additional Feature:Twelve bunches per set
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Live White Pampas Grass Plants
Adding architectural height to your landscape becomes simple with these fully rooted starters. They arrive ready to grow and quickly establish a striking vertical presence in summer gardens.
You get two live plants to anchor your design scheme right away. Be aware that pampas grass needs room to expand as it matures.
- Plant Type:Ornamental grass
- Quantity:Two plants
- Sunlight Requirement:Full sun
- Additional Feature:Five to nine inches tall
- Additional Feature:Live outdoor plants
- Additional Feature:Fast growing habit
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Pink Muhly Grass Live Plants
Fall brings a breathtaking cloud of pink blooms from these delicate ornamental grasses. During summer, they establish dense green foliage that lays the groundwork for that colorful seasonal finale.
You can plant them in borders or mass plantings for maximum visual impact. Do note that young plants require patience before producing those famous colorful plumes.
- Plant Type:Ornamental grass
- Quantity:Set of two
- Sunlight Requirement:Full sun
- Additional Feature:Four to eight inches tall
- Additional Feature:Shipped without pots
- Additional Feature:Great for home gardens
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Rose Fountain Grass Live Plants
Fountain grasses introduce wonderful fountain-like arching forms to boring landscape borders. This rose-colored variety adds a warm hue that contrasts sharply against traditional green lawns.
You receive two hardy specimens ready for summer planting. Keep in mind that these grasses demand space to display their arching habit properly.
- Plant Type:Ornamental grass
- Quantity:Two plants
- Sunlight Requirement:Full sun
- Additional Feature:Five to nine inches tall
- Additional Feature:Hardy outdoor grower
- Additional Feature:Excellent landscape accent
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Red Fountain Grass Pennisetum Setaceum
Dark burgundy foliage makes this specific grass a standout choice for dramatic container gardening. It handles hot summer dry spells remarkably well once established in your outdoor pots or landscape beds.
You get a pair of vigorous starters ready to handle the heat. Just remember that they dislike soggy soil, so proper drainage is non-negotiable.
- Plant Type:Ornamental grass
- Quantity:Two plants
- Sunlight Requirement:Full sun
- Additional Feature:Five to nine inches tall
- Additional Feature:Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum variety
- Additional Feature:Patio and landscape ready
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Super Blue Liriope Ornamental Grass
Liriope serves as the ultimate workhorse for edging walkways and filling difficult garden spots. This super blue variety features striking blue-green leaves paired with lovely lavender bloom spikes during the warmest months.
You receive a substantial 2.5-quart pot that establishes quickly. Be mindful that growth can be aggressive if left entirely unchecked.
- Plant Type:Ornamental grass
- Quantity:One 2.5-quart plant
- Sunlight Requirement:Full sun to part shade
- Additional Feature:Super blue variety
- Additional Feature:Established root system
- Additional Feature:Perfect for border edging
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Clovers Garden Lantana Camara Flowers
Lantana brings an explosion of multi-colored blooms that practically beg butterflies to visit. Beyond their beauty, these plants act as a natural mosquito deterrent while thriving in intense summer heat.
You get two live plants nestled in four-inch pots for immediate installation. Note that lantana acts as an annual in colder northern zones.
- Plant Type:Flowering shrub
- Quantity:Two live plants
- Sunlight Requirement:Full sun
- Additional Feature:Comes in 4-inch pots
- Additional Feature:Non-GMO plant variety
- Additional Feature:Assorted color mix
