How to Grow Cortaderia
Cortaderia selloana
Pampas grass is a bold, architectural statement plant producing spectacular white plumes up to 3 m tall from late summer. Plant in spring in full sun, allowing at least 2 m spacing — this is a big grass. Choose female plants for the best plumes (male plumes are narrower and less showy). Site away from paths and play areas as the leaf edges are razor-sharp. Leave all growth standing through winter to protect the crown, then cut back to 30-45 cm in late March wearing thick gloves and eye protection. Very hardy and long-lived once established.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Rarely needed. Pampas grass is vigorous and self-sufficient. A light mulch of compost in spring is more than enough.
Watch For
- Razor-sharp leaf edges (wear gloves and long sleeves)
- Dead material build-up (fire hazard)
- Can become invasive in mild coastal areas
Companions
Miscanthus, Verbena bonariensis, Crocosmia, Phormium
Track your Cortaderia care schedule — pruning, feeding, and seasonal tasks
Start planning freeCare Requirements
☀️ Light
Full sun essential
Pampas grass needs full sun for the best plume production. In shade it becomes lax and flowers poorly. Give it the most open, sunny position available.
💧 Watering
Drought-tolerant once established
Water new plantings in the first season. Once established, pampas grass is very drought-tolerant and rarely needs supplemental watering. Tolerates dry and exposed sites well.
🌱 Fertilizing
No feeding needed
Pampas grass is vigorous and self-sufficient. Feeding is unnecessary and can produce excessively tall, floppy growth. A light compost mulch in spring is optional.
✂️ Pruning
Cut back to 30-45 cm in late March
Leave all growth standing through winter. In late March or early April, cut back to 30-45 cm above ground. Wear thick gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection. Tie the clump with rope before cutting for easier handling.
🍂 Mulching
Light mulch after spring cut-back, optional
A light mulch of compost after the spring cut-back is optional. Avoid heavy organic mulch against the crown. The plant is generally self-sufficient.
Growing Tips
Choose female plants
Female pampas grass produces the large, fluffy white plumes that everyone wants. Male plumes are narrower and less showy. Buy named female cultivars like 'Pumila' or 'Sunningdale Silver'.
Never cut back in autumn
The old growth insulates the crown through winter. Cutting in autumn exposes the crown to frost and wet, which can kill the plant. Wait until late March.
Wear protection when cutting
The leaf edges are genuinely razor-sharp and will cut skin easily. Always wear thick leather gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection when working with pampas grass.
Clear dead material to prevent fire
Old, dry pampas grass is highly flammable. Remove dead material during the spring cut-back and do not let it accumulate over multiple years.
Site carefully for size
A mature pampas grass can be 2-3 m tall and 2 m wide. It cannot be easily moved once established. Choose the position carefully and allow plenty of space.
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of aphids on plume stems; sticky honeydew
- Blast off with a strong jet of water
- Encourage natural predators
- Rarely necessary on such a vigorous plant
Pest Leaf Mining Flies
Identification: Pale meandering trails visible within leaf blades; tiny larvae visible if leaf is held to light
- Remove and destroy affected leaves
- Tolerate minor damage as it is cosmetic
- Not necessary; damage is cosmetic only
Disease Crown Rot
Symptoms: Centre of clump dies out; soft, mushy tissue at the base; foul smell
Treatment: Cut out affected sections; improve drainage; in severe cases remove and replace
Prevention: Ensure good drainage; leave old growth standing for winter protection; avoid heavy mulching against the crown
Disease Leaf Spot
Symptoms: Brown or tan spots on leaf blades, sometimes with a darker border; mainly cosmetic
Treatment: Remove badly affected leaves during the spring cut-back
Prevention: Good air circulation; avoid overcrowding
Log Cortaderia in your garden — track growth, care, and harvests year after year
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