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James Burghardt
Poaceae
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila'
Pampas Grass
Pampas grass is named for the vast grassy plains of its native habitat, Pampas, Argentina.
The cultivar ‘Pumila’ is a vigorous dwarf selection. Still, it is a substantial clump-forming ornamental perennial grass. Its soft green leaves are folded and gradually taper. The blade edges are truly blade-like; they are toothed, very sharp and can cause lacerations from even the slightest touch. The most impressive feature of pampas grass is its large, fluffy floral plumes that appear atop long stiff stalks above the foliage. Male and female flowers appear on separate plants. The female flowers are more visually desirable because they have long, silky silver-yellow hairs. When dry they turn a lovely straw color and persist for a long period of time.
This tough grass is very drought tolerant but prefers occasional supplemental water in the driest weather. It can also withstand salt spray, so it’s ideal for Oceanside locations. Full sun and well-drained soil are necessary for good health.
Pampas grass produces a large number of brown leaves in the clump. Many recommend shearing it to the ground each year, however this is very traumatic to the plant and not all clumps survive this practice. It’s better to remove only the dead leaves that can be pulled free with a rake.
Plant pampas grass for screening, in shrub and mixed borders or as an accent plant. One caveat to planting it is that it has escaped from cultivation and is considered an invasive species in some areas.
12 - 7
7 - 11
H1, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Grass
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m (5)
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
South America, Argentina
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Pollution, Salt, Soil Compaction
Fast
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
Arching/Fountain-shaped
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
White, Light Yellow, Silver
Tan
Green, Gray Green
No
Single
Yes
Fine
Matte
Dried Flower/Everlasting, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Screening / Wind Break
Sometimes
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