May be invasive in some regions. Click to learn more →
Photo: Fernando de Gorocica, CC BY-SA
Pampas Grass
Cortaderia selloana
grass☀️ full sun💧 low waterZone 6b – Zone 11b
A tall, dramatic ornamental grass with feathery, silvery-white plumes that rise above clumps of narrow, arching foliage. Pampas grass is striking as a specimen plant or screen and thrives in hot, dry conditions.
Overview
Form
Upright
Growth Rate
fast
Size
8–9′ tall × 4–6′ wide
Dormancy
semi-evergreen
Tolerances & Soil
low
Flood Tolerance
none
Zone 6bZone 11b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 6b to Zone 11b
pH Range
4.97.4
7.0
3.556.589
pH range: 4.9 to 7.4
Soil Texture
Coarse, Medium, Fine
Seasonality
Bloom Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Season of Interest
SummerFallWinter
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
pioneer
Native Range
South America (Argentina, Chile)
Function & Care
fiberwindbreakwildlife benefiterosion control
Establishment & Care
Establishment
easy
Maintenance
moderate
Propagation
seed, division
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Sunningdale Silver' and 'Silver Comet' are popular cultivars known for pale, abundant plumes and compact growth; 'Rosea' features distinctive pink-tinted plumes.
