Pampas Grass — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Cortaderia selloana |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 21–28 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–26.7 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 730–1095 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 182.9–304.8 |
| Mature height (cm) | 182.9–304.8 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 121.9–182.9 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 7–10 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Division |
Growing directions
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil; once established, pampas grass is extremely drought-tolerant and requires virtually no supplemental irrigation except during establishment. Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is one of the most dramatic and instantly recognizable ornamental grasses in cultivation — a native of the pampas (grasslands) of Argentina, Brazil, and Chile that forms enormous clumps of arching, sharp-edged, blue-green leaves 4–6 feet tall topped by tall stalks bearing spectacular, feathery, silky white to cream (female) or more narrow silver (male) plumes that emerge in late summer and persist through fall and winter, providing exceptional dried-flower display for 4–6 months. Female plants produce the larger, showier plumes preferred in ornamental use; most commercial plants are female. The plumes, which can reach 12 feet in total height, are outstanding as fresh-cut or dried arrangements and are long-lasting on the plant through winter. Pampas grass is so visually dominant that a single specimen becomes a landscape focal point — the feathery white plumes blowing in late-summer breezes have become iconic in coastal and tropical garden landscapes. In Gulf Coast zone 8–9 conditions, pampas grass is evergreen to semi-evergreen, forming an expanding clump that may need division every 5–7 years as the center dies out. Plants are best divided with a sharp spade or mattock; the razor-sharp leaf margins make leather gloves and long sleeves essential for any hands-on work. Note: pampas grass has become invasive in coastal California and New Zealand and should not be planted in fire-prone areas or where it may escape into natural areas.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0