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Gerald L. Klingaman
Poaceae
CORTADERIA selloana
Pampas Grass
One of the signature plants of the Pampas of Argentina, this immense, clumping, highly ornamental evergreen grass is grown and has naturalized throughout the milder climatic regions of the world. It is valued primarily for its spectacular, fluffy, silvery heads of male or female flowers, which are held high above the foliage atop lofty stalks in late summer and autumn. Female plants have showier, silky-haired flowers and are more desirable. The ornamental seed heads dry to a lovely straw color and persist well into winter. The long, folded, fountaining leaves are attractive year-round. Numerous cultivars are available, including the variegated Sun Stripe and 'Splendid Star', the dwarf 'Pumila', and the pink-flowered 'Carminea Rendatleri'.
This drought- and salt-tolerant grass prefers full sun, well-drained soil, and occasional watering during extended dry spells. Remove brown dead leaves with a rake: the often recommended practice of shearing the clump to the ground can damage or kill the plant. Mass it as a screen or windbreak, or use it as a specimen or border plant. Place it where its rough, sharp leaf edges do not pose a risk to passersby. Pampas grass has escaped cultivation and is considered an invasive species in some locations.
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
8'-15' / 2.4m - 4.6m (10)
5'-10' / 1.5m - 3.0m (8)
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, Silver
Tan, Brown
Green, Gray Green
No
Single
Yes
Fine
Matte
Dried Flower / Everlasting, Dried Flower/Everlasting, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Screening / Wind Break
Sometimes
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