Pampas Grass
Cortaderia selloana
Also listed as Arundo selloana, Cortaderia dioeca
Also known as Common Pampas Grass, Pampas, Uruguayan Pampas Grass
Climate Match for your location
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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.
Why grow it
Pampas grass outperforms many ornamental grasses in drought tolerance and flowering impact, producing dramatic silvery plumes that persist through winter. Unlike smaller ornamental species, it reaches substantial height (8-12 feet with inflorescences) suitable as a visual screen or focal point. It thrives in poor, well-draining soils where many alternatives would struggle, making it useful for sandy or gravelly sites with minimal fertility.
Watch out for
Pampas grass has sharp leaf edges that can cause skin irritation during handling and maintenance; wear protective gloves and long sleeves when cutting back or dividing plants. It requires well-draining soil and may struggle in areas with high humidity or heavy clay; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. The plant can take two to three years to establish and produce its distinctive plumes.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native Range
South America (Argentina, Chile)
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Sunningdale Silver' and 'Silver Comet' are popular cultivars known for pale, abundant plumes and compact growth; 'Rosea' features distinctive pink-tinted plumes.
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Pampas Grass grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Pampas grass outperforms many ornamental grasses in drought tolerance and flowering impact, producing dramatic silvery plumes that persist through winter. Unlike smaller ornamental species, it reaches substantial height (8-12 feet with inflorescences) suitable as a visual screen or focal point. It thrives in poor, well-draining soils where many alternatives would struggle, making it useful for sandy or gravelly sites with minimal fertility.
Watch out for
Pampas grass has sharp leaf edges that can cause skin irritation during handling and maintenance; wear protective gloves and long sleeves when cutting back or dividing plants. It requires well-draining soil and may struggle in areas with high humidity or heavy clay; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. The plant can take two to three years to establish and produce its distinctive plumes.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Poaceae
Native Range
South America (Argentina, Chile)
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
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.