Pampas grass

Sun

Full sun; flowering is reduced in shade.

Water

Water regularly during establishment. Established clumps tolerate drought, but flower better with occasional deep watering during prolonged dry weather.

Soil

Well-drained soil, including sandy or gravelly ground; tolerates a broad pH range. Avoid waterlogged soil, especially in winter.

Height

6-10 ft (1.8-3 m), including flower stems

Spread

4-6 ft (1.2-1.8 m), sometimes wider with age

Flowers

Late summer to autumn; large silvery-white to cream plumes, sometimes pink-tinged, often remaining attractive into winter.

Foliage

Long, narrow, arching grey-green leaves with sharply serrated edges. Usually evergreen in mild climates; foliage browns or dies back in colder winters.

Growth

Fast in warm conditions once established.

Care needed

Medium

• Deer resistant
• Drought tolerant
• Heat tolerant
• Wildlife

Northern hemisphere months. In Australia, shift them by six.

Difficulty

Moderate

Toughness

Very tough

Pick your zone, country, light and whether you have pets.

1. Planting day

   1.1 ft (0.35 m)

2. After 1 year

   5 ft (1.6 m)

3. After 2 years

   8 ft (2.4 m)

   full size

About 2 years to full size.

From a typical nursery size, at an average rate for this kind of plant. A rule of thumb, not a forecast.

Cats and dogs

Safe

Invasive in

the US and Australia

In the garden

Spreads vigorously: plan to contain it.

Growth rate

Fast

• Check local weed regulations before buying or planting; choose a non-invasive alternative where pampas grass is a problem.
• Plant in spring in colder regions, allowing room for the full mature clump well away from paths, play areas and buildings.
• Water deeply during the first growing season, allowing the soil surface to dry between waterings.
• Feed lightly in spring only if growth is weak; rich feeding can produce excessive foliage.
• Keep mulch away from the crown and improve drainage rather than watering persistently wet plants.
• Wear thick gloves, long sleeves and eye protection when handling leaves or dividing clumps.

Pruning. In late winter or early spring, before new growth extends, cut old foliage and stems back to about 12 in (30 cm), avoiding emerging shoots. Do not burn the clump; remove flower heads before seeds disperse wherever escape is a concern.

Late winter

Cut back old foliage and remove accumulated dead material before new growth starts.

Spring

Plant or divide clumps where growing this species is permitted; water thoroughly after planting.

Late spring

Check establishment and water new plants during dry spells; feed lightly only if needed.

Summer

Deep-water established plants during prolonged drought if you want strong flowering.

Late summer

Enjoy emerging plumes, but remove flower heads before seed release where spread is possible.

Autumn

Check drainage and clear nearby dry debris; retain plumes for winter structure only where seed escape is not a concern.

• Use as a solitary focal point in a large lawn or open gravel garden where its full outline can be seen.
• Place at the back of a broad sunny border with tall perennials, allowing space for the arching leaves.
• Combine with drought-tolerant shrubs and perennials for contrasting fine foliage and upright flower stems.
• Use in spacious coastal gardens for wind-tolerant structure, but not beside natural habitats where it could escape.

Garden styles it suits: Architectural minimal, Coastal, Dry gravel garden, Mediterranean, Modern and Winter interest.

Plant it with: Russian sage, Lavender, Yarrow, Sedum, Sea holly and Red-hot poker.

Wildlife: Dense clumps can provide shelter for small animals and birds, but the flowers are wind-pollinated rather than a nectar source. In invaded habitats, it can displace native vegetation and reduce habitat quality.

• Crown or root rot in wet soil: improve drainage, reduce watering and replace badly rotted plants.
• Poor flowering in shade or after excessive feeding: move to full sun and reduce fertiliser.
• Winter damage in exposed or marginally hardy sites: choose a sheltered, well-drained position and remove dead foliage in spring.
• Unwanted seedlings: remove plumes before seed dispersal and dig out seedlings while small; replace the plant where escape cannot be controlled.

Not known to be toxic to cats, dogs, horses or people. The leaf edges can cause significant cuts, and swallowed blades may irritate or injure the mouth and digestive tract; keep it away from children, pets and livestock routes.

Where it spreads. Spreads aggressively by wind-borne seed in coastal California, Hawaii and parts of Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia. It is regulated in several Australian jurisdictions; check current state and local rules before planting. Avoid planting near dunes, wetlands, roadsides or other open natural habitats.

• Purple pampas grass (Cortaderia jubata)

  Usually has pinkish-purple young plumes that fade to tan, held well above the foliage on very tall stems. Plume colour overlaps, so reliable identification may require botanical examination;

• Hardy pampas grass (Tripidium ravennae)

  Has more upright foliage with a conspicuous pale midrib and narrower, less fluffy flower heads; it is generally more cold-hardy.

• Chinese silver grass (Miscanthus sinensis)

  Usually has narrower leaves with a clear white midrib and open, fan-shaped flower clusters rather than dense pampas plumes; its foliage dies back in winter.

Cortaderia comes from a Spanish word referring to cutting, for the sharp leaves; selloana honours botanist Friedrich Sellow, and pampas grass refers to the South American grasslands.

Propagation. Divide manageable clumps in spring using sturdy tools and protective clothing. Seed-grown plants vary, and seed propagation is best avoided because of escape risk; do not propagate where the species is restricted.

Accepted botanical name

Cortaderia selloana

In the US and Canada

Introduced in the lower 48 states.

Native range

Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Argentina South, Bolivia, Brazil South, Chile Central, Chile North, Chile South, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Measured

Average height 262 cm.

Sources: GBIF (CC BY 4.0), USDA PLANTS and Trefle (CC BY 4.0). The care and design notes are LandscapeGPT's own.