Cortaderia selloana
Pampas grass
Common names: Silver grass
Photo: CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
Pampas grass is an impressive ornamental grass from South America that, from late summer onward, produces large, silvery‑glossy plume-like seed heads on dense, meter‑high foliage stalks. The 'Pumila' cultivar remains noticeably compact at about 1.5 m, whereas the wild type can reach up to 3 m. The narrow leaves have sharp, fine serrations along the margin; handling leaves close to the plant is best done with gloves and long sleeves, especially around children. As a solitary plant on a lawn or at a garden edge, it becomes a striking focal point from September to October, and its dried plumes remain long when displayed in a vase.
Care instructions
Pampas grass prefers a sunny, wind‑protected spot with well‑drained soil; it does not tolerate wet feet. Water regularly during the first two years, then it copes well with drier periods. Before the first frost, bundle the leaves into a tuft and cover with burlap or straw to protect the root crown over winter. In early spring, around the end of March (week 13), cut the old growth close to the ground; it will then vigorously regrow. Wear gloves during pruning, as the leaf margins remain sharp even when dry.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
well-drained, sandy, lean, dry
Feeding
Light feeder
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