Architectural Plants. Christine Shaw
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is the main requirement, and watering should be done regularly for the first couple of seasons after planting. After this time, Arundo donax is quite capable of fending for itself, and feeding and watering can be dispensed with. Generally, this grass will grow almost anywhere. It is often seen in water-filled ditches and along riverbanks throughout Europe. But, it can also cope with the other extreme, tolerating sun-baked clay soil without much of a problem.
If the soil is very poor and growth is unsatisfactory, apply a good helping of blood, fish and bone in the spring. Well-rotted manure will also help speed up the growth rate. Very little maintenance is required, apart from the removal of any brown leaves as they appear.
During the winter, the leaves turn brown and two choices can be made. Either cut the whole lot down to ground level, from where it will start to regrow in spring, quickly reaching its full height again in one season. Or, strip the foliage from the stems, to leave just the bare canes. This latter method has two advantages. Firstly, the space that the plants occupy won’t be completely empty in the winter, and lots of bare stems are definitely much more attractive than a gap in the planting scheme. Secondly, during the following growing season, new canes will not only emerge from ground level, but side shoots from the old canes will also sprout, making an even bushier clump.
Pests and diseases are not usually a problem. Propagation can be done by dividing up existing clumps with a spade, by stem cuttings grown in water or from fresh seed.
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In warmer climates, the flowery plumes of Arundo donax soar above the foliage.
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The variegated version is smaller and less hardy.
Toe-Toe
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Cortaderia richardii is a brilliant plant for coastal gardens.
This gorgeous grass is similar in many ways to the well-known Pampas Grass. But, instead of originating from South America, it hails from New Zealand, hence its Maori common name of toe-toe, which is actually pronounced ‘toy-toy’.
Masses of long, grassy blades form great heaps of foliage that eventually reach dimensions of around 1.5m (5ft) in height and the same size across. Each blade is slightly serrated along the edges, enough to cause some discomfort if grabbed and pulled through your hands as you walk by. During the winter, this plant stays much greener than many grasses, making it highly attractive for the entire year.
The plumes of grassy flowers are also similar to the more familiar Pampas Grass, but those on this grass are sent up during mid-summer instead of early autumn. They are shorter and a much nicer colour – a kind of bronzy-beige. They are lovely and fluffy, and can be cut off for using in dried flower arrangements, where they look good for many months until they start to gather dust.
Cortaderia richardii is a very easy plant to cultivate. It is largely unfussy, although it hates being in the shade. It makes a good coastal plant, as salty winds do not seem to cause any harm. However, it stays much tidier if grown tucked out of the way from the. strongest sea breezes. Good light levels are required – the more sunshine, the better. Most soils are fine, although the very best results will be from rich, moist loam. If the soil is very poor, enrich it annually in spring with a large dollop of well-rotted manure.
Moist conditions are preferred but, once established, much drier conditions can be tolerated, and watering is usually necessary only if the summer is excessively rain-free. Water regularly for its first season after planting until the roots have settled in.
Remove any old brown leaves and cut off the flower spikes when they become scruffy. Chop these off with secateurs as low as you can reach down into the centre of the plant.
Pests and diseases do not often cause any problems. Propagation can be by division or from fresh seed.
Pampas Crass
SYN. Cortaderia argentea
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After being snootily ignored for years, this lovely grass is at last being planted again by gardeners.
The ‘prawn cocktail’ of horticulture is how some gardeners describe Cortaderia selloana, but this seems to be very dismissive of a wonderful grass.
It can form massive clumps of glaucous green that make an imposing addition to any garden. Mature clumps can reach 2.5m (8ft) tall and 3m (10ft) across. Enormous quantities of long, arching evergreen leaves quickly pile up on themselves to form a graceful architectural shape. Each slender leaf blade is sharply edged along the entire length. The sharp bits are too small to be seen, but can be painfully experienced if you pull the leaves through your hands. In late summer, tall panicles start to emerge from the centre of mature plants. These can reach 3m (10ft) tall and open out into large fluffy plumes of a rich cream colour. They last for most of the autumn. They can be left on the plant to be enjoyed, or be cut and dried for indoor flower arrangements.
This is a very easy plant to grow and it is forgiving of most planting sites. However, it would prefer to be in a bright sunny planting position, sheltered away from strong winds. The soil should, ideally, be a rich loam, but most types will give adequate results. Really poor soil can be fed annually with any high nitrogen food in the spring. Water regularly until established. After the first couple of seasons, it can usually take care of itself.
Older clumps that become untidy can be given a savage haircut every few years in early spring. Cut the entire clump down to ground level with powerful electric hedge-cutters.
If this becomes too difficult, an alternative method is to set fire to the whole lot and burn it down. This quickly deals with all the brown thatch that gradually accumulates from old leaves. New foliage soon grows up again.
There are various coloured forms available but none manages to match the splendour of the true Pampas Crass. Propagation can be done by division and also from seed, but seed-grown plants can be very variable in habit and colour. A particularly good cultivar is ‘Sunningdale Silver’, which has beautifully pale plumes. Cortaderia selloana ‘Pumila’, a dwarf form, is a wonderfully stubby half-sized version for small gardens.
Pests and diseases rarely bother this grass.
Dwarf Papyrus
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Although this grass is native to Madagascar, it can be grown successfully in much cooler climates.
A pretty little perennial grass that resembles a miniature Papyrus, but is much tougher. It is reliably hardy, though, only in mild inner city gardens and coastal areas. It forms clumps of long, bright green stalks that can reach 90—120cm (3–4ft) tall. These are topped with spreading ‘umbrellas’ of grass, so that the whole plant looks like tiny palm trees. The flowers are typical grassy tufts and not terribly exciting.
Outdoors, grow it