Cortaderia selloana – Classic Pampas Grass
Cortaderia selloana is a bold, architectural ornamental grass renowned for its tall clumps of arching green foliage and spectacular feathery flower plumes that appear from late summer into autumn. Rising well above the foliage, the silky plumes add height, movement, and drama to the garden and remain attractive well into winter. Hardy, drought-tolerant once established, and highly impactful, pampas grass is ideal for large borders, specimen planting, and contemporary landscapes.
Why Grow Cortaderia selloana?
Impressive Plumes – Large, feathery flower heads from late summer to autumn.
Architectural Presence – Creates bold structure and movement.
Long Season of Interest – Plumes persist through winter.
Hardy and Resilient – Tolerates wind, drought, and coastal conditions.
Low Maintenance – Easy to grow with minimal care once established.
Height and Spread
Typically grows to 2.5–3.5m (8–12ft) in height, including plumes, with a spread of 2–3m (6.5–10ft).
Where to Site Your Cortaderia selloana
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Large Borders: Provides height and drama
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Specimen Planting: Strong standalone focal point
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Coastal Gardens: Tolerant of wind and salt spray
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Contemporary Designs: Complements modern landscapes
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Screens & Backdrops: Useful for natural screening
How to Grow and Care
Soil – Prefers well-drained soil; tolerates poor soils but dislikes waterlogging.
Light – Full sun for best flowering and compact growth.
Watering – Water regularly while establishing; drought-tolerant once mature.
Maintenance
Pruning: Cut back hard in late winter or early spring before new growth appears (wear gloves).
Mulching: Mulch in spring to conserve moisture and improve soil condition.
Pests & Diseases: Generally pest- and disease-free.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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Architectural Plants: Yucca, Phormium, Cordyline
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Grasses: Miscanthus, Panicum
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Perennials: Verbena, Echinacea, Rudbeckia
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Shrubs: Lavender, Santolina
Conclusion
Cortaderia selloana is a dramatic, large-scale pampas grass offering striking plumes, architectural form, and long-lasting seasonal interest. Best suited to spacious gardens, it delivers maximum visual impact with minimal maintenance.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
