Autumn Aesthetic: Grasses & Fall Plants for Landscapes and Containers
10-01-2025
by Phillip
One of my favorite books in my horticulture library is Rick Darke’s bible of grasses: The Encyclopedia of Grasses for Livable Landscapes. I have lost myself in its pages many times, studying the natural tendencies of grasses in their environments. Over the years, I have tested many cultivars in containers and even more in the landscape. Like a dad with his children, it can be hard selecting favorites—there are too many situations where my preferences shift and evolve.
Grasses of all stripes are in cultivation and are chosen for their color, plume, or growth habits. The movement grasses bring to the fall landscape is incomparable. They are also excellent agents to help with transitions in the garden. We can focus on seasonal transitions with grasses, but we also rely on them to transition between sunnier, wetter, and other varied garden conditions. Grasses are resilient and can adapt to those in-between zones. The world of grasses is vast, and choosing just a few favorites is hard. Mine tend to be site-specific.
Some of my go-to favorite selections for the landscape and container plantings include:
Pennisetum alopecuroides (and other fountain grasses)
These have a thick, Muppet-like appearance with beautiful, fluffy seed blooms. The foliage is typically green, though some annual varieties boast a lovely burgundy coloration. Planted en masse in the landscape, these grasses look like giant caterpillars loafing about the garden. Round and fluffy, they also add a dynamic aesthetic to container plantings.
Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’
A taller, well-behaved grass, Morning Light grows in a barrel-like, cylindrical form. The fall plume is also upright and not floppy, making this selection very architectural in the landscape. While not as rigid as ‘Karl Foerster,’ its structure is just as pleasing when creating a garden backbone. We occasionally use this grass in containers, though it tends to flop more than I like in that setting.
Chasmanthium latifolium (Northern Sea Oats)
A fall sensation, a mass grouping of these grasses creates real movement thanks to the flat, oat-like seeds that wiggle in the breeze. The look is quintessential fall harvest—checking every box for those autumnal feels. Although a personal favorite, these can spread aggressively if left unchecked. Give them ample space to roam. No tiger likes to be caged!
Panicum virgatum (‘Northwind’ and other cultivars)
These have delicate, ephemeral blooms that add a hazy softness to the fall garden. Their cloud-like plumes are spectacular in the autumn light. I especially love using them when "wilding" an area. A natural choice for meadow plantings, these grasses never feel too heavy.
The Carex Family
There are many varieties I enjoy planting in both containers and landscapes. Many can be found at garden centers. Straight greens, yellows, and variegated forms add that "moppy" look to containers and garden beds.
Carex stricta
A diminutive little soldier—these are some of my favorites. They grow in tussocks, adding fantastic texture.
Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’
When grown in containers, this grass adds such character and texture. The long, curved blades give the impression of little creatures or perfectly coiffed elderly women fresh from a salon blowout.
Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’
This Japanese forest grass adds brightness to shaded, damp garden areas. Slow to mature, but worth the wait. The blades stack in a regimented and orderly manner as the plant masses up. I love planting them in large waves—it's a plant I never get bored with. Though I’m not typically a fan of variegation, I make an exception for a few of these cultivars. My favorites tend to be the solid green or chartreuse varieties.
Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)
A native found across North America in tallgrass prairies. I love their luminous blue stems. They establish beautifully in the landscape and can be interesting in containers. When we use them in pots, I always ask the team to bring them back to the shop so I can plant them in the meadows once holiday plantings begin. These native grasses are invaluable for supporting local wildlife and insects.
Fall Accents: Kales, Cabbages, Celosia, Pansies & Ornamental Peppers
Cabbages and kales in containers extend the growing season well past the arrival of Jack Frost. Their purples, whites, pinks, and reds intensify as the air cools. Celosias and ornamental peppers add extra texture. These plants thrive in cooler days, making them ideal for porch pots and poolside containers.
Fall Container Design: Key Considerations
When composing a fall container, we always consider several factors:
Does the client prefer a neat, orderly appearance or a wilder, looser look?
What colors and textures complement the space?
We must also account for local wildlife. Heavily planted kale displays can become a feast for deer and groundhogs. In these cases, we rely on many of our favorite grasses and organic deterrent sprays.
Every site and situation is unique. Be unabashedly curious and experiment with new plants in your fall containers. In the landscape, however, I recommend a measured, educated approach to ensure the right plants suit your specific garden conditions.
Be sure to check out Rick Darke’s comprehensive book on grasses as you research. Visit nurseries that specialize in plants. While big box stores are convenient, nothing beats a real conversation with a passionate plantsman at a local nursery.
