Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) is native
to South America and grows as a tall bunch or clump grass. Clumps can reach 6’-
8’ tall and wide.
The leaves are long and slender reaching lengths of 3’-
6’. Leaves are green with sharp edges and can sometimes cause paper-cut like
injuries.
Pampas Grass produces tall feathery flowers in dense
plumes. Plumes may be 12” – 24” tall and up to 6” wide. Varieties are available
with flowers that are white, cream,
silvery and even pink in color.
Pampas Grass is usually grown as an ornamental due to its
large size and spectacular flower plumes. Plumes may last months on the plant.
Plumes are also used in dried flower arrangements and are sometimes painted for
a showier effect.
Pampas grass grows well in both sandy and clay type soils.
It is drought and pest-resistant. It grows quickly with regular water so can be
used as a specimen plant or to create a wind break, privacy screen, or visual
barrier. Pampas Grass is also used in the landscape to attractive wildlife.
Pampas Grass requires some late winter maintenance to
shape its form and renew its color at spring leaf out. Before spring growth
begins the old dead brown growth is pruned away or sometimes burned. This
allows the foliage to be totally green when growth resumes. Burning away last
season’s growth may damage the plant, causing peripheral regrowth on the edges.
Pampas Grass is best grown is full sun with low to
regular water. It is hardy to USDA zone 6.
Contact Trees That Please Nursery for availability and
pricing.
Photos & Narrative
By:
Stephen
SainStaff Plant Physiologist
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