Best Ornamental Grasses for Midwest Gardens

Blue fescue are one of the smallest of the ornamental grasses (under 1 foot tall), which makes them perfect for many different uses in the garden. Plant them at the base of leggy shrubs, in masses as a groundcover, in rows as edging, as accents or in containers. Evergreen in all buts its northernmost range, the bluish foliage looks best in early summer. Seed heads turn tan when mature; cut them off to keep plants looking neat. 'Elijah Blue' has powder-blue leaves.

Size: 6-10 inches tall and wide
Conditions: full or partial sun and well-drained soil
Zones: 4-8
Best for: its sweet little size