Cortaderia selloana 'White Feather'
A dense, clump-forming perennial grass, about 3m tall, with evergreen, arching, sharply toothed blue-green leaves, about 2.5m long. Upright stems bearing large, plume-like panicles, to 90cm long, of white spikelets appear in late summer and early autumn
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Grey Silver Green | Grey Silver Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Grey Silver Green | White | Grey Silver Green | |
Autumn | Grey Silver Green | |||
Winter | Grey Silver Green | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- Genus
Cortaderia are robust evergreen grasses forming large, compact tufts of narrowly linear, rough-edged leaves, with erect stems bearing dense silvery or pink-tinged flower panicles which are excellent for drying
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, deep, well-drained soil in full sun, and cover with a deep dry mulch to protect plants from frost in their first winter. Choose planting position carefully, these large plants need plenty of space and have sharp leaf edges. See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in late spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Cut and comb out the last year's flower stems and dead leaves in late winter or early spring; wear stout gloves as protection from the sharp leaf edges
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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