High Country Gardens
Undaunted Sure Thing Deer Grass
Best low-maintenance ornamental grass for drought-tolerant, deer-resistant landscapes.
The Undaunted® ‘Sure Thing’ Deer Grass is a dramatic, exceptionally cold-hardy ornamental bunch grass native to the Southwestern US. It forms a graceful mound of sage-green foliage, producing fireworks of long-lasting, tawny plumes that capture the light and wave in the breeze. This long-lived, semi-evergreen grass thrives with little to no irrigation once established, making it highly drought tolerant. Reaching 30-36 inches tall and wide, it provides superb structure and vertical interest all season, maintaining interest even through winter. Plant in full sun in well-drained soil where it has room to showcase its beauty.
$19.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
29
/ 3076
#29 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-28%
Below average
Botanical Name
Muhlenbergia rigens Undaunted® ‘Sure Thing’
/ Muhlenbergia rigens Undaunted® ‘Sure Thing’
Who it's for
- Minimalists seeking low-maintenance, year-round structural garden interest
- Eco-conscious gardeners managing water-restricted landscapes
- Homeowners living in areas with high deer populations
Who should skip it
- Small-space gardeners with limited planting beds
- Impatient gardeners wanting immediate, full-grown landscape coverage
- Busy homeowners avoiding seasonal yard maintenance tasks
Performance breakdown
Drought Tolerance
Thrives with minimal supplemental water once established in the landscape.
Winter Hardiness
Exceptional cold tolerance allows for reliable performance in harsh northern climates.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits from grazing in mass garden plantings.
Visual Impact
Graceful plumes and sage-green foliage provide striking architectural interest all year.
Maintenance Ease
Requires very little intervention to maintain its tidy, mounded growth habit.
Climate Adaptability
Versatile perennial that performs consistently across a wide range of zones.
Key Specs
Botanical Name
Muhlenbergia rigens Undaunted® ‘Sure Thing’
Mature Height
30-36 inches
Mature Spread
30-36 inches
USDA Hardiness Zones
4-9
Ships As
Potted Plant
Light Requirement
Full Sun
Soil Type
Average Soil, Sandy Soil
Water Needs
Low
Features
- Exceptionally cold hardy for harsh climates.
- Long-lasting plumes create a shooting fountain effect.
- Provides excellent winter interest.
- Thrives with minimal irrigation.
- Resistant to deer and rabbits in mass plantings.
- Exclusive introduction by Lauren Springer.
- Easy to grow and maintain.
- Native to the Southwestern US.
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality and reliability of the Undaunted Sure Thing Deer Grass. Reviewers frequently note the robust health of the plants upon arrival, highlighting careful packaging that ensures successful transit. The primary theme is its dependable performance, thriving effortlessly in challenging, dry conditions where other grasses fail. This resilience makes it a highly valued, low maintenance addition to xeriscapes, confirming its status as a truly reliable landscape anchor.
Know before you buy
Undaunted ‘Sure Thing’ is exceptionally cold-hardy and thrives in USDA zones 4 through 9. It is specifically bred to withstand harsh winter climates that would damage other varieties of deer grass.
Yes, once established, this grass is highly drought-tolerant and thrives with minimal irrigation. You will only need to provide supplemental water during its first growing season to help the root system settle in.
While no plant is 100% immune to hungry wildlife, this variety is highly resistant to deer and rabbits. It is an excellent choice for landscapes where browsing animals are a common nuisance.
Since this grass reaches a mature spread of 30 to 36 inches, you should space them at least 3 feet apart on center. This allows the plant to form its signature graceful mound without overcrowding.
You should leave the foliage standing through the winter to enjoy its structural interest and protective cover. It is best to trim the plant back in early spring before new growth begins to emerge.
This grass performs best in well-drained soil, including average or sandy types. Avoid planting it in heavy clay or areas that stay consistently wet, as good drainage is essential for its health.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$20