Once hugely popular, pampas grass fell out of fashion, but along with growing numbers of dried flower enthusiasts, expert grower Adrian Bloom is keen to show they are worth a second look. He highlights the best that he grows in his own garden Foggy Bottom in Norfolk, and advises on growing them. Images by Adrian Bloom and Richard Bloom <\/p>

How to dry pampas grass<\/strong><\/p>

Dried pampas grass flower heads are becoming increasingly popular for interior decoration \u2013 they can also be used to make floral arches, Christmas wreaths<\/a> and wedding<\/a> bouquets. We asked Caroline Beck, cut flower grower<\/a> and owner of Verde Flower Co<\/a>, for her advice on drying grasses:<\/p>

In autumn, cut the grass stems to your desired length \u2013 use secateurs<\/a> and be sure to wear gloves<\/a>. <\/li>
Use garden twine<\/a> or a rubber band to tie the stems together.<\/li>
Hang upside down in a dry, airy place for a few weeks \u2013 a greenhouse<\/a> is ideal as this will bleach the stems. <\/li><\/ul>
Some people like to use hairspray to help prevent the plumes from shedding.<\/p><\/div><\/div>
How to grow pampas grass<\/h2>
At Foggy Bottom, Adrian Bloom has used the pampas grass Cortaderia selloana ‘Pumila’ at intervals along a long border. Their flower heads are at their freshest and most dramatic against autumn leaf colour, white birch trunks and the evergreen hedge behind. – \u00a9 Adrian Bloom<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Where to plant pampas grass<\/h3>
Plant pampas grass in a sunny or semi shaded spot. Free draining soil<\/a>, especially in winter, is essential. Make sure the area is clear of perennial weeds.<\/p>
When to plant pampas grass<\/h3>
Planting can be done at most times of the year. Prepare the area, allowing space for a full display of what will become a large clump.<\/p>
Cutting back pampas grass<\/h3>
Cut back old stems and a third of the foliage in spring. Catching the sharp-edged leaves with bare hands can give you a cut, so it is best to wear sturdy garden gloves<\/a>.<\/p>
Dividing pampas grass<\/h3>
Divide large clumps of pampas grass in late spring.<\/p>
Cut back foliage to 45cm.<\/li>
Dig around roots with a spade and lift the clump, removing most of the soil to make the plant easier to split.<\/li>
Lay the clump on its side and insert two garden forks into the centre of the clump back to back.<\/li>
Pull the fork handles outward and prise the clump apart.<\/li><\/ul>
If split clumps are still large, split again. Otherwise splitting can be done by hand, this time with two hand forks. Long roots can be cut and shortened by half. Plant slightly deeper than before as new roots will soon develop near the crown.<\/p>
The best pampas grasses to grow<\/h2>
Cortaderia selloana<\/em> \u2018Pumila\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Cortaderia$
At Foggy Bottom, Adrian Bloom has used the pampas grass Cortaderia selloana ‘Pumila’ at intervals along a long border. – \u00a9 Adrian Bloom<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The most popular cultivar. It takes its name from the Latin for dwarf, although once established, this is a cultivar that can end up with spectacular white plumes that reach more than two metres in height. Cortaderia selloana<\/em> \u2018Pumila\u2019 stands up to our winter winds, and the plumes, though less fluffy, are still attractive in April. Height and spread:<\/strong> 1.5m x 1.2m. AGM. RHS H6, USDA 8a-10b.<\/p>
Cortaderia selloana<\/em> \u2018Aureolineata\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Cortaderia$ <\/figure>
Sometimes sold as Cortaderia selloana<\/em> \u2018Gold Band\u2019, this pampas grass has evergreen foliage that looks attractive in the garden most of the year and is striking in close-up. Height and spread:<\/strong> 1.8m x 1.2m. AGM. RHS H6, USDA 8a-10b.<\/p>
Austroderia fulvida<\/em><\/h3>
$\"Austroderia$ <\/figure>
A New Zealand grass that has moved from the Cortaderia<\/em> genus to Austroderia<\/em>. The arching, finely spaced flower heads reach over 2m and are nicely placed to having over lower plants. Summer flowering. Height and spread:<\/strong> 2m x 1m. RHS H5.<\/p>
Cortaderia selloana<\/em> \u2018Sunningdale Silver\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Cortaderia$
\u00a9 Adrian Bloom<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Long spikes emerging in early autumn with large terminal inflorescences towering over 2m high. Hardy, but stems are easily broken without shelter from autumn winds. Shown here with Kniphofia tysonii<\/em> and other perennials. Height x spread:<\/strong> 2.4-3m x 1.5m. RHS H6, USDA 8a-10b.<\/p>
Cortaderia selloana<\/em> \u2018Pink Phantom\u2019<\/h3>
$\"Cortaderia$
\u00a9 Richard Bloom<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Wispy inflorescences open as a striking pink, but fade to white. Arguably, the silvery white is a better match to the variegated foliage, which is broad and edged with white. Height and spread:<\/strong> 1.8m x 1.2m, perhaps taller in moister climates. RHS H6, USDA 8a-10b.<\/p>
Cortaderia selloana<\/em> ‘Patagonia’<\/strong><\/p>
$\"Cortaderia$
Cortaderia selloana ‘Patagonia’ – \u00a9 Richard Bloom<\/figcaption><\/figure>
For those who might find it useful to have an early flowering pampas grass \u2013 one that starts flowering in June rather than September. It was discovered by the American nurseryman Kurt Bluemel in the Argentinian province of Patagonia, and we have used it extensively for more than ten years in the Summer Garden at Bressingham, where its early performance has made an increasingly dramatic show. Height x spread:<\/strong> 1.5m x 1m. AGM. RHS H6, USDA 8a-10b.<\/p>
Where to see and buy pampas grass<\/h2>
USEFUL INFORMATIONThe Bressingham Gardens, Low Road, Diss, Norfolk IP22 2AA.Tel 07300 100445.Web thebressinghamgardens.comSee website for details of opening times, and The Bressingham Gardens Nursery shop which offers some of the pampas grasses featured here.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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Where to plant pampas grass<\/h3>Plant pampas grass in a sunny or semi shaded spot. Free draining soil<\/a>, especially in winter, is essential. Make sure the area is clear of perennial weeds.<\/p>

Cutting back pampas grass<\/h3>Cut back old stems and a third of the foliage in spring. Catching the sharp-edged leaves with bare hands can give you a cut, so it is best to wear sturdy garden gloves<\/a>.<\/p>

The best pampas grasses to grow<\/h2>

Where to plant pampas grass<\/h3>
Plant pampas grass in a sunny or semi shaded spot. Free draining soil<\/a>, especially in winter, is essential. Make sure the area is clear of perennial weeds.<\/p>

Cutting back pampas grass<\/h3>
Cut back old stems and a third of the foliage in spring. Catching the sharp-edged leaves with bare hands can give you a cut, so it is best to wear sturdy garden gloves<\/a>.<\/p>