Pampas grass
Cortaderia selloana · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant pampas grass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen, grey-blue, very fine and sharp
- Flowering
- September to November, very airy white or pale pink panicles
- Mature size
- 2 to 3 m tall, 1.5 to 2 m spread
- Growth rate
- Fast to very fast once established
- Hardiness
- Down to −15 °C in zones 6-7
- Origin
- Argentina and Chile (pampas and arid regions)
- Soil type
- Well-drained, tolerates sand and poor soils
Care
Sunlight
Plant your pampas grass in full sun, ideally at least 6 hours daily. Shaded exposure significantly reduces flower production and weakens the plant's form. It also tolerates windy areas, which actually strengthens its silhouette.
Watering
Water regularly during the first two years to encourage root establishment. Once established, the plant is very drought-resistant and needs little water, except during prolonged heat waves. Reduce watering in autumn and winter.
Soil and drainage
This grass dislikes standing water: choose well-drained, light, even poor soil. In clay or compacted soil, improve drainage by adding sand or gravel. Pampas grass tolerates chalky and salty soils well.
Pruning and cleanup
Cut the foliage back to 15-20 cm from the ground in late winter (February-March), before spring growth resumes. This rejuvenates the plant and prevents old foliage from smothering it. Wear thick gloves: the leaves are extremely sharp and can cause injury.
Fertiliser
Once well established, pampas grass needs virtually no fertiliser. You may apply a little compost or balanced fertiliser in spring if the plant appears weakened or the soil is poor.
Pests and diseases
Pampas grass is very hardy. No major pests or diseases really affect it. An overly humid or poorly drained environment may encourage root rot: improve ventilation and drainage if you notice any degeneration.
Winter protection
In cold regions (zone 5 and below), protect the base with good mulch or a winter fleece if winters are very harsh. Leave the foliage in place: it protects the plant's heart and creates beautiful winter interest.
Did you know?
Pampas grass is so invasive in certain coastal regions, particularly in New Zealand and California, that it is classified as an invasive species and its importation is banned in several countries. Yet this same plant was once cultivated in Europe as a status symbol in the 19th century, with its majestic white plumes adorning bourgeois gardens and interiors to impress visitors.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.