Pampas Grass

Cortaderia selloana

White staircase with a lantern and dried flowers.

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

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Zones

6–10

USDA hardiness

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Height

6-12 feet

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Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Transplant

Direct Sow

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Pampas Grass in USDA Zone 7

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Zone Map

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Pampas Grass · Zones 6–10

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing6-8 feet

SoilWell-drained soil, tolerates poor soils

pH6.0-8.0

WaterHigh — consistent moisture needed

SeasonSummer

FlavorNot applicable (ornamental)

ColorCreamy white to pale pink plumes

SizePlumes 1-3 feet long

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 6	—	May – July	April – June	—
Zone 7	—	May – June	March – May	—
Zone 8	—	April – June	March – May	—
Zone 9	—	March – May	February – April	—
Zone 10	—	March – April	January – March	—

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. Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 4 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 9 in.. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: High, Medium. Regions: Coastal.

Harvesting

Bloom time: Fall, Summer, Winter

Storage & Preservation

For fresh plumes, display in water indoors away from direct sunlight to extend vase life to 2-3 weeks. Store cut stems in a cool location (65-70°F) with low humidity to prevent mold. Shelf life varies by conditions but typically lasts 3 months fresh. Preservation methods: (1) Air dry bundles upside down in a dark, well-ventilated space for 2-4 weeks to create long-lasting dried arrangements; (2) Glycerin treatment—submerge stems in glycerin solution for week-long absorption to maintain flexibility and color; (3) Spray with clear acrylic sealant once dried to protect plumes from shedding and extend display life indefinitely.

History & Origin

Cortaderia selloana originates from the temperate grasslands of South America, particularly the Pampas region of Argentina and Uruguay, where it evolved naturally in vast open plains. The species was first documented scientifically in the nineteenth century and subsequently introduced to European gardens during the Victorian era, where it became highly fashionable as an ornamental specimen. The plant spread rapidly throughout temperate regions worldwide due to its dramatic appearance and adaptability. While specific cultivar breeding programs and named selections have been developed since its introduction to horticulture, detailed documentation of individual breeders or the exact years of cultivar development remains limited in readily available historical records.

Origin: South America

Advantages

+Creates dramatic focal points with towering creamy-white to pink feathery plumes
+Fast-growing perennial that quickly forms impressive clumps for privacy screening
+Feathery plumes last months when cut, perfect for dried arrangements
+Easy to grow with minimal pest and disease problems in good conditions
+Adds stunning movement and texture to landscapes year-round

Considerations

-Requires well-drained soil or susceptible to root rot in wet conditions
-Can spread aggressively and become invasive in mild climates
-Extremely tall growth requires adequate space and can shade nearby plants
-Sharp leaf edges pose safety hazard, especially around children and pets

Companion Plants

Drought-tolerant Mediterranean plants — lavender, rosemary, ornamental sage, and Russian sage — are the most sensible neighbors here. They share a preference for lean, well-drained soil and full sun, and none of them will compete aggressively for water. Yucca, agave, and sedum work on the same logic: low moisture demand, similar pH tolerance across the 6.0–8.0 range, and a mature spread that doesn't crowd the 6-8 feet a full-grown clump needs to breathe.

The harmful pairings have real teeth. Small trees and shrubs planted within 8-10 feet will eventually lose the light competition once pampas grass hits its stride, and its serrated leaves can abrade tender bark during wind. Vegetable beds are a bad match because Cortaderia selloana reseeds prolifically — you don't want volunteer clumps pushing up between your tomatoes. Native grassland plantings are the sharpest concern: NC State Extension and USDA both flag this species as highly invasive in California and the Pacific Northwest, where wind-dispersed seeds move into adjacent natural areas fast.

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

Troubleshooting Pampas Grass

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Clump base is soft and rotting, with yellowing or brown outer leaves that pull away easily

Likely Causes

Root rot (Pythium or Phytophthora spp.) caused by waterlogged or clay-heavy soil with poor drainage
Planting too deep — burying the crown more than an inch below grade traps moisture

What to Do

1.Dig the plant and trim away all blackened, mushy roots before replanting
2.Amend the bed with coarse grit or pea gravel to improve drainage, or build a raised mound 4-6 inches above grade
3.Pull back on irrigation — established clumps do fine on once-a-week watering at most, and many get by on rainfall alone once rooted in

White or gray crusty bumps on leaf stems and culms, with occasional sticky residue

Likely Causes

Scale insects (armored or soft scale) — more common on stressed or container-grown plants
Low airflow from overcrowded planting or nearby dense shrubs

What to Do

1.Cut and remove the worst-affected canes at the base — Cortaderia selloana regrows hard after cutting
2.Spray remaining affected areas with horticultural oil at label rate; repeat after 10-14 days
3.Space clumps the full 6-8 feet apart — tight planting is where scale gets its foothold

Center of the clump is dead and hollow after 4-5 years, with vigorous growth only on the outer ring

Likely Causes

Normal senescence of the central crown — mature Cortaderia selloana clumps die out from the center over time
Skipping the annual cutback, which lets dead thatch choke out new shoots

What to Do

1.Cut the entire clump back hard to 12-18 inches in late winter, before new growth pushes in late February or early March
2.Divide the clump by digging it out and splitting the live outer sections with a sharp spade; discard the dead center
3.Wear thick leather gloves and a long-sleeve shirt — the leaf margins are finely serrated and will open skin before you notice

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall does pampas grass grow?▼

Pampas grass typically grows 8-12 feet tall with plumes, though mature clumps can reach 6-8 feet in width. Growth rate is rapid, often reaching full size within 2-3 years. Height varies slightly by variety and growing conditions, with excellent sunlight and ideal soil promoting maximum height. This dramatic stature makes it ideal for privacy screening and creating bold landscape focal points.

Can you grow pampas grass in containers?▼

Yes, pampas grass can grow in large containers (20+ gallons) but requires more frequent watering and feeding than in-ground plants. Container growth typically results in smaller, less vigorous plants. Ensure excellent drainage with quality potting soil, and move containers to sheltered locations in harsh winters. Container growing works best in mild climates or for temporary ornamental displays.

When should I plant pampas grass?▼

Plant pampas grass in spring after frost danger passes or in early fall in mild climates, allowing 3-4 months establishment before winter. Spring planting is preferred in cold regions to ensure deep root development before frost. Space plants 4-6 feet apart to accommodate mature width. Newly planted grasses need consistent moisture for the first growing season until established.

Is pampas grass good for beginners?▼

Absolutely—pampas grass is one of the easiest ornamental grasses to grow. It tolerates poor soils, requires minimal maintenance once established, and rarely faces serious pest issues. Once mature, it's extremely drought-tolerant. The main considerations are providing full sun, ensuring well-draining soil, and annual late-winter cutting before new growth emerges.

How long do pampas grass plumes last as cut flowers?▼

Pampas grass plumes last 2-3 weeks in fresh water arrangements. For dried arrangements, they last indefinitely when properly preserved. Harvest plumes when fully emerged but before they become too feathery. Cut stems just above the clump base and stand upright in water immediately. Dried arrangements can be maintained for years if stored in low humidity and protected from dust and direct sunlight.

Does pampas grass come back every year?▼

Yes, pampas grass is a perennial that returns each year. The foliage dies back in winter and regrows from the crown in spring. The plant actually becomes more robust and produces more plumes as it matures over several years. Annual maintenance involves cutting back dried foliage in late winter before new growth emerges to maintain health and appearance.