Pampas Grass
Cortaderia selloana
A dramatic ornamental grass that creates stunning focal points with its towering plumes of creamy-white to pink feathery flowers. This fast-growing perennial forms impressive clumps that add movement and texture to landscapes while providing excellent privacy screening. The showy plumes are highly prized for dried flower arrangements and last for months when cut.
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
6–10
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Pampas Grass in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 grass →Zone Map
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Pampas Grass · Zones 6–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry, Occasionally Wet, Very Dry. Water: Coastal Garden - Tropical. Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 9 in.. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'Jet Streams TM' 'Pumila' 'Rose Feder', 'Jet Streams TM', 'Pumila', 'Rose Feder'. Regions: Coastal.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Fall, Summer, Winter
History & Origin
Origin: Coastal Garden - Tropical
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Drought, Pollution, Salt
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Lavender
Both are drought-tolerant and create attractive textural contrast in ornamental landscapes
Rosemary
Similar water requirements and Mediterranean climate preferences, complementary growth habits
Ornamental Sage
Drought-tolerant perennial that provides colorful flowers against pampas grass backdrop
Yucca
Both thrive in poor soils with minimal water, create striking architectural garden design
Sedum
Low-growing succulent that complements tall pampas grass while sharing drought tolerance
Ornamental Alliums
Early season interest before pampas grass reaches full height, both prefer well-drained soils
Russian Sage
Similar height and airy texture, both are low-maintenance and drought-resistant
Agave
Complementary water needs and creates dramatic focal points in xerophytic gardens
Keep Apart
Small Trees and Shrubs
Pampas grass can outcompete and suppress nearby woody plants through aggressive root system
Vegetable Gardens
Allelopathic properties may inhibit vegetable growth and roots compete for nutrients
Native Grasslands
Invasive species that can displace native grasses and alter ecosystem balance
Moisture-loving Plants
Incompatible water requirements as pampas grass prefers dry conditions year-round
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant, very hardy
Common Pests
Scale insects, aphids (rarely problematic)
Diseases
Root rot in poorly drained soils