Elephant grass (Pennisetum 'Tift 8' GRACEFUL GRASSES VERTIGO)

Overview

Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ GRACEFUL GRASSES VERTIGO, commonly known as Elephant grass, is a magnificent, fast-growing ornamental grass prized for its architectural presence and dramatic coloring. This cultivar, part of the GRACEFUL GRASSES® series, transforms any landscape with its striking height and deep, blackish-purple foliage that develops as the summer progresses. Its vigor and near-black color make Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ GRACEFUL GRASSES VERTIGO an unparalleled choice for adding bold texture and contrast.

Originating from a trispecific cross, this variety has been bred for superior ornamental performance rather than reproduction. It functions reliably as a large annual grass in most climates, delivering substantial vertical impact quickly. Gardeners rely on this Elephant grass to create instant drama in specimen plantings or large containers where structure is required throughout the growing season.

Its impressive stature, reaching up to 8 feet tall, allows it to serve as a temporary screen or a towering focal point. Since Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ GRACEFUL GRASSES VERTIGO does not produce viable pollen or seeds, it offers the aesthetic benefits of a tropical grass without any concerns regarding aggressive self-seeding in the garden.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Poaceae
• Plant Type: Ornamental grass
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 4-8 ft
  • Spread: 2-3 ft
• Bloom Time: Rarely flowers
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For best results with Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ GRACEFUL GRASSES VERTIGO, plant it in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. This grass thrives in light, fertile, well-drained soil. While it tolerates part shade, achieving the best color intensity and maximum height requires placement in full sun. Ensure the location receives at least six hours of direct sun daily to encourage that desirable transition to blackish-purple.

Water requirements for this Elephant grass are medium; it needs consistent moisture, especially when establishing, but established plants are reasonably tolerant of brief dry spells once mature. Avoid waterlogged soil at all costs, as excellent drainage is critical for root health in grasses of this stature. Fertilization can be beneficial if the soil is poor; a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early summer will support its rapid growth habit.

This cultivar is generally grown as an annual due to its hardiness range, meaning cleanup involves cutting the entire clump back to the ground in late fall or early winter before new growth begins the following spring. In its warmer zones (10-11), treat it as a tender perennial; cut back old foliage in late winter before new shoots emerge. No intricate pruning is usually necessary beyond the final seasonal cutback.

Landscape Uses

The dramatic, darkening foliage of Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ GRACEFUL GRASSES VERTIGO makes it invaluable for adding texture and contrast in landscape designs. As an annual, it is perfect for creating instant impact borders or anchoring foundation plantings where year-round structure isn’t necessary. Its vertical habit allows it to function effectively as a living architectural element.

When grown in groups or massed, the sheer scale of this Elephant grass creates a bold, tropical feel, contrasting beautifully against fine-textured perennials or broad-leaved shrubs. It excels as a specimen plant in large containers, where its height can frame doorways or patios. Because this cultivar is sterile, focus on its visual contribution rather than managing spreading tendencies.

For high-impact seasonal design, pair the dark blades of Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ GRACEFUL GRASSES VERTIGO with low-growing, mounding annuals featuring bright colors like chartreuse sweet potato vine or scarlet geraniums to maximize the visual drama.

Standout Features

Noteworthy Characteristics

Pennisetum is a genus of about 120 species of annual and perennial grasses from warm-temperate areas worldwide. Pennisetums are grown for their attractive foliage and in some cases also their attractive inflorescence. Some cultivars have striking purple foliage.Genus name comes from the Latin penna meaning “feather” and seta meaning “bristle” in reference to the flowers having long, feathery bristles. ‘Tift 8’, which is sold under the trade name of VERTIGO®, is in the GRACEFUL GRASSES® series from Proven Winners. It is the product of a planned breeding program led by Dr. Wayne Hanna at the University of Georgia Research Foundation and is a trispecific cross among P. Purpureum, P. Squamulatum, and P. Glaucum. It is a large grass growing 4 to 8 ft. Tall and 2 to 3 ft. Wide with 2 in. Wide, spiky leaves that turn from green to blackish purple as they mature. It will retain this color throughout the summer. VERTIGO does not produce pollen or seeds and will not reseed in the garden.

Tolerances

• Black Walnut
• Air Pollution

Potential Problems

Fortunately, this ornamental grass is robust and typically encounters no serious insect or disease problems, making it a low-fuss annual choice. Good air circulation and avoiding overly saturated planting sites are the best preventative measures, although pests are rarely an issue for Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ GRACEFUL GRASSES VERTIGO. Focus mainly on meeting its full sun and medium water requirements, and it should perform excellently throughout the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Elephant grass suitable for?

Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ GRACEFUL GRASSES VERTIGO is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 11. If you are outside these zones, treat it as a tender annual.

How large does Elephant grass grow?

This grass matures to an imposing height between 4 and 8 feet tall, with a spread of 2 to 3 feet wide, establishing a strong vertical presence.

What sun exposure does Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ GRACEFUL GRASSES VERTIGO need?

For optimal growth and the deepest purple coloration, Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ GRACEFUL GRASSES VERTIGO requires full sun exposure throughout the day.

When does Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ GRACEFUL GRASSES VERTIGO bloom?

This specific cultivar rarely flowers, meaning its primary ornamental appeal remains its consistently attractive, tall, dark foliage throughout the growing season.

Conclusion

For gardeners seeking immediate vertical impact and deep, rich color, Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ GRACEFUL GRASSES VERTIGO delivers outstanding performance. This robust Elephant grass provides architectural structure and contrast without the risk of reseeding, simplifying garden management. Before planting, confirm your local hardiness zone and ensure you place this spectacular ornamental grass where it receives plenty of direct sunlight.

Companion Planting

Selecting partners for Pennisetum ‘Tift 8’ GRACEFUL GRASSES VERTIGO that complement its dark, towering form enhances its landscape drama. Pair it with low-growing, heat-loving perennials that feature bright, contrasting foliage or flowers, such as silvery Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina) or bright yellow Coreopsis. In containers, use trailing sweet potato vines (Ipomoea batatas) underneath its dramatic overhang to soften the edges and further highlight the grass’s vertical ascent.

Design Ideas

The sheer scale of this grass makes it ideal for use as a temporary, living privacy screen where quick height is needed for a single season. Plant several specimens in a row along a property line or behind a patio seating area. Alternatively, use a single, magnificent specimen in a very large container near an entryway; its dark color pairs exceptionally well with modern, minimalist hardscaping or stucco walls, emphasizing modern garden design principles.