Pampas grass is one of the largest grasses hardy in Tennessee. Photo made in the UT Gardens in Knoxville. >>>download photo

Submitted by Natalia Bjorklund

Pampas grass, known by the scientific name of Cortaderia selloana, is just one of the great ornamental grasses blooming right now in the UT Gardens. Grasses of all shapes and sizes are beginning to come into the limelight, and will continue to shine through late autumn, and even into winter!

Like many grasses, pampas grass, is low-maintenance if placed in the proper garden location. Pampas grass prefers full sun and can tolerate a large range of soils. While little is required of most ornamental grasses once they are established, regular fertilization is recommended for optimum growth.

Pampas grass can easily reach 8 to 10 feet in height, but the flower stalks can reach up to 12 feet. If planted in full sun conditions, the grass will grow quickly and form a large clump. Because pampas grass can easily reach such large sizes, always allow enough room for future growth.

Pampas grass has flower plumes that are large and usually creamy white. The female plants produce flower heads that are slightly fuller and larger than the males, but the difference is barely noticeable. Cultivars such as 'Rose' or 'Pink' are available that produce light pink flowers.

If pampas grass is too large for you, try the dwarf variety known as 'Pumila.' It only reaches heights around 6 feet tall. Other grasses that you may want to consider include Pennisetum alopecuroides, or fountain grass, and Calamagrostis acutiflora, also known as feather reed grass.

Whichever you choose, grasses offer your garden many features. Their color, late-season interest and low-maintenance requirements will reward you year after year.

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Natalia Bjorklund is a graduate student in the University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences. She works under the guidance of Dr. Susan Hamilton, director of the UT Gardens. The UT Gardens are located on Neyland Drive in Knoxville. Admission is free, and the Gardens are open to the public seven days a week during daylight hours.