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Key characteristics

Family: Poaceae
Height: 6-10 feet
Width: 4-6 feet
Flower color: Large, silvery-white plumes held high above the foliage on tall stalks
Foliage color: Gray-green, slender, arching leaves
Bloom time: Late summer to fall, with plumes persisting into winter
Light: Full sun
Water: Low to moderate
Maintenance: Low; however, due to its sharp-edged leaves, care should be taken when handling. Pruning dead foliage annually is recommended
Growing zone: USDA zones 7 to 10
Wildlife: Birds, which use the plumes for nesting material

Perennials

Cortaderia selloana

Pampas Grass

Cortaderia selloana, commonly known as pampas grass, is a tall, ornamental grass native to South America, particularly Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. It produces large, feathery plumes from late summer into fall, adding a soft, elegant texture to the landscape. The plumes, often creamy white or pale pink, rise above the arching, razor-edged green leaves, creating a dramatic, billowing effect in the breeze.

The plumes retain their form well into winter, offering seasonal interest even as other plants fade.

Light

Full sun

Water

Low to moderate

Bloom time

Late summer to fall, with plumes persisting into winter

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Bird Gardens
Waterwise Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Russian sage · Sedums · Peonies · Coneflowers · Salvias · Shasta daisies

Design tip

Flowers in the quietest months make this worth a sheltered spot within sight of a window or door. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)