Cortaderia selloana - Pampas Grass

Known for its enormous flower-plumes, Cortaderia selloana is a large, tussock-forming, evergreen, perennial grass from South America, forming a mound of narrow, arching, mid-green leaves. Huge feathery, white or pinkish-beige plumes on strong stems soar above the leaves in late summer and persist through winter, beautiful when frosted. Traditionally grown as a specimen, Pampas Grass is probably better grown among other tall meadow plants, or as a focal point against dark evergreens. Cut back the flower stems and remove dead foliage in late winter, being careful of the extremely sharp edges to the leaves.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Any reasonably well drained soil
Position: Full sun
Season of Interest: Spring, summer, autumn, winter
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 6’-10’ (2-3m) Spread: 3’-6’ (1-2m)