Plant field guide
Pampas Grass
Iconic tall grass with massive feathery plumes. Makes a dramatic statement as a specimen or screen. Dwarf varieties available.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Cortaderia selloana
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- low
- Height
- 72 in (183 cm) – 120 in (305 cm)
- Spread
- 48 in (122 cm) – 72 in (183 cm)
- Spacing
- 48 in (122 cm)
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 7–11; average annual extreme minimum from 0°F (-17.8°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: February, March.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Leaf blades are razor sharp - wear protective gear. Can be invasive in warm climates. Dwarf 'Pumila' reaches 4-6 feet.
Pruning
Cut back entire clump to 12 inches in late winter. Use hedge trimmer and wear long sleeves - blades cut skin.
Fertilizer
Balanced (10-10-10)
Early spring
Mulch
Not typically needed. Self-mulches with dropped foliage.