Pampas Grass
cortaderia selloana
Also known as: ["Plume Grass","Feather Grass"]
Overview
A large, ornamental grass known for its tall, feathery plumes that rise above the foliage in late summer and autumn.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","deer resistant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Cortaderia |
| Botanical Name: | Cortaderia selloana |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Grasses
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in open areas
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–15–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining; susceptible to root rot in waterlogged soil.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with some organic matter; tolerates poor soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if the plant is overgrown.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants to full sun gradually if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Full sun is best for flowering; avoid deep shade; rotate plants for even growth.
Watering
every 7–14 days, depending on climate and soil conditions
Water deeply to encourage deep roots; allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil
pH: Adaptable; prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter if needed.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 6–9; tolerates temperatures down to -10°C (14°F); prefers warm, dry summers.
Protect from frost; water deeply before freezes; avoid overwatering in heat.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring
Fertilize sparingly; apply in spring only; avoid high-nitrogen formulas.
Propagation
Methods
Division of clumps in spring or early summer; rarely propagated by seed due to slow germination.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up the clump.
- Divide into smaller sections with sharp tools.
- Replant divisions at the same depth.
- Water thoroughly.
Best Time: Early spring or early summer after new growth begins.
Environment
Warm, bright location with high humidity for division recovery; full sun for mature plants.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix, such as cactus mix or sandy loam with perlite.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; rooting hormone may help if using stem cuttings (rare).
Timeline
Division establishes quickly in 1–2 growing seasons; seed propagation can take 1–2 years to flower.
Tools Needed
Shovel, sharp knife or saw, gloves, watering can.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–5 years to maintain vigor; ensure each division has roots and shoots; water well after replanting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back dead foliage and old flower stalks to the base; thin out crowded stems to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged foliage annually to maintain appearance and health; cut back old flower stalks after seed heads have dried.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, gloves, rake.
Checklist
Wear gloves; use sharp, clean tools; cut back dead growth; remove debris from around the base.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Not applicable; divisions are planted at the same depth as the original clump.
Method
Not applicable; division is the primary method for managing size or propagation.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted; division is preferred for propagation or rejuvenation.
Checklist
Not applicable; focus on division instead.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone; apply until water penetrates several inches deep; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter or drought; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility in poor soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or browning of leaves in extreme heat; dieback or delayed growth in cold stress; reduced flowering in inadequate light.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn brown or become brittle; growth slows or stops; roots may be damaged in poorly drained soil during freezes.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; avoid wet soil during freezes; protect from harsh winds.
Hot Stress
Leaf edges may scorch; flowering may be reduced; growth may slow in extreme heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in intense heat; water deeply but infrequently; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; water after fertilizing; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent weak growth; no fertilization needed in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCortaderia selloana is not toxic to cats. Similar to dogs, ingestion may lead to mild gastrointestinal irritation due to the plant's fibrous content, but it is not poisonous.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPampas grass is not considered toxic to dogs. Ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's fibrous nature, but it is not poisonous.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCortaderia selloana, commonly known as pampas grass, is generally non-toxic to humans. However, its leaves are sharp and can cause physical injury upon contact.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if touched
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pampas Grass invasive?
A: Yes, in some regions, Pampas Grass is considered invasive and can spread aggressively if not managed properly.
Q: How tall does Pampas Grass grow?
A: Pampas Grass can grow up to 10 feet tall, with plumes reaching an additional 3-4 feet above the foliage.
Q: Does Pampas Grass require full sun?
A: Yes, Pampas Grass thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Quick Reference
%20Asch.%20&%20Graebn.%20-%20H.M.%20Longhi-Wagner,%20UFRGS,%20Brazil_fullsize.jpg)
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–14 days, depending o |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
