Cortaderia Selloana Pumila - Pampas Grass

Cortaderia Selloana Pumila - Pampas Grass
Originating from the South American Pampas – which gives this plant its name – Cortaderia Selloana is more commonly known as Pampas Grass. A really tough, virtually maintenance free plant, which can add drama and structure to your garden design. The flower spikes start to form during the summer months and when fully grown (around September time) the feathery flowers emerge. This dramatic arrival of this plumage occurs at a time of year when there is often little colour in the garden and looks spectacular.
The Pampas Grass flowers are like golden or silvery manes which sway gently in the breeze. The flower plumes reflect the light beautifully, appearing to almost glow on bright autumn days. This particular cultivar, Cortaderia Selloana Pumila, is relatively compact and is often referred to as Dwarf Pampas Grass and will attain an overall height of around 2.5-3 metres with a maximum spread of 1.5 metres. This dwarf variety is more suitable for smaller or medium sized gardens.
In its natural habitat, Pampas Grass is tough and grows on the wide open plains in full sun, it is the primary grass plant of South America. Cortaderia Selloana prefers a very well drained soil and will not thrive in soggy conditions. Give it a thorough watering when first planting and once established, it is very drought resistant and grows well in coastal locations.
The shape and structure of Cortaderia Selloana makes it ideal for planting in a wide range of situations. Providing height and punctuation in the mixed border; the spiky leaves make it a useful plant at boundaries for intruder protection and it looks splendid when featured as a specimen plant. Planting Pampas Grass repetitively in clumps, or as an avenue, can create a very dramatic effect, especially where low-maintenance and drought resistance is a major factor. The flowers are prized for cut flower arrangements. Cortaderia Selloana Pumila has been awarded the RHS AGM – Award of Garden Merit, a good indicator for planting in UK gardens.
You may be interested in our collection of ornamental grasses.