DATE:    12/16/99
WRITER:  Dr. David Bradshaw, (864) 656-4949
CONTACT: Giles Singleton, (864) 656-3876

Choosing Drought-Hardy Ornamental Grasses 

     CLEMSON -- Gardeners are always looking for plants that grow
well, no matter what the weather. In the perennial trial garden
at the South Carolina Botanical Garden on the campus of Clemson
University, we have illustrated a number of perennial ornamental
grasses and companion plants that can withstand the stresses of
extreme heat and drought.
     In this garden we have used Lantana Camara 'Mozelle', which
has pink flowers and will overwinter and come back next year.
Most lantana do not overwinter.
     As a backdrop for this nice perennial, we have one of the
ornamental grasses, Miscanthus sinensis. These grasses are very
useful from this standpoint, because they have a great deal of
texture and color. 
     Bright contrast between the green and white striped foliage
of Miscanthus sinensis Varigatus makes a good accent with the
rich green foliage of the leather leaf fern, Rumohra
adiantiformis. This fern is often prevalent in florist
arrangements. Most gardeners don't realize that leather leaf
ferns will grow in the back yard, and even in full sun. They can
also withstand heat and drought stresses.
    The vibrant color and placement of ornamental grasses can 
define line and movement in a garden. For example, Burgundy
foxtail in a curvilinear line serves both purposes, it defines
line and gives a good contrast with bronze chrysanthemums.
     One large clump of panic grass -- for example, ten feet wide
and eight feet tall -- can make a striking focal point and a good
background. Panicum 'Heavy Metal', even in a clump this large -
makes a light, feathery backdrop for purple Pentas lanceolata.
      These are just a few of the many hardy perennials that grow
in The S.C. Botanical Garden. Come and see what you can use to
solve the problems in your yard -- David Bradshaw, Extension
horticulturist.
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     If you have gardening questions or comments, write to
PSA Media Relations, A-101 Poole Agricultural Center, Box 340129,
Clemson University, Clemson, S.C. 29634-0129. You might also want
to look for other "Buds and Blooms" columns under 1999 News
Releases at: www.clemson.edu/psamedia/ .
                           END