Cortaderia selloana
pampas grass
A densely tufted, clump-forming, perennial grass, 2.5-3m high and 1.8m or more wide, with evergreen, arching, sharply toothed, blue-green leaves, to 2.5m or more long, and erect stems with pyramidal to oblong plume-like panicles, 45-90cm long, of glistening silver-white spikelets about 15mm long and often flushed with pink or purple, in late summer and early autumn
Other common names
pampas grass 'Argentea'Synonyms
Cortaderia selloana 'Argentea'Cortaderia selloana 'Alba'
see moreCortaderia argentea
Gynerium argenteum
Arundo selloana
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Blue | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Blue | Cream Grey Silver Pink Purple White | Green Blue | |
| Autumn | Green Blue | Cream Grey Silver Pink Purple White | Green Blue | |
| Winter | Green Blue |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp. S America
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 positions carefully, because they need plenty of space, because of the sharp leaf edges, and because seedlings can be invasive; for more advice, see ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown at 13-18°C in spring, or by division in late spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Prairie planting
- Architectural
- Cottage and informal 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 gloves as protection from the sharp leaf edges
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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