Grass
Pampas Grass
Cortaderia selloana 'Monrin' SUN STRIPE is a towering ornamental grass native to the South American pampas that brings dramatic, feathery plumes to the garden from late summer through winter. This cultivar grows 4 to 5 feet tall and spreads 2 to 3 feet wide, thriving in zones 8-10 where it handles drought and urban conditions with ease. First introduced to the United States in 1848, pampas grass became a Victorian garden sensation and remains one of the world's most beloved ornamental grasses, valued for its massive silvery-white plumes that dry beautifully for arrangements.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
8-10
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained Loam; Tolerates Poor, Sandy Soils
Growth Stats
60 in
Height
36 in
Width
TypeUpright
Spacing
72
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
8-10
Size
60in H x 36in W
Growth
—
Care
Moderate
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Highlights
Dense, fountain-like clumps of finely serrated, arching green leaves explode into enormous, showy plumes that shift from summer gold to ethereal silver as cooler weather arrives. The feathery texture catches light brilliantly and persists from August through February, providing sculptural interest when most gardens fade. Once established, this grass shrugs off drought and thrives in poor soils where fussier plants struggle, making it genuinely low-maintenance despite its dramatic presence.
Common Uses
Pampas grass serves as a living sculpture in naturalized landscapes, providing year-round architectural interest and movement in the garden. Its enormous, silvery plumes are prized for cutting fresh or drying for long-lasting floral arrangements. The feathery stems work beautifully in large-scale dried flower installations and wedding décor. In contemporary design, it anchors mixed borders, softens hardscapes, and creates privacy screens that sway gracefully in the wind.
Growing Timeline
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Care Instructions
Direct Sow
Sow pampas grass seed directly in full sun in well-drained soil. Seeds reach full maturity by the second year of growth.
Pruning
Cut all foliage back to the ground in late winter before new growth begins in spring. This rejuvenates the plant and ensures vigorous plume production the following fall and winter.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Drought Tolerant
Bloom Time
August To February
Tolerances
Black WalnutDroughtUrban Conditions
Scientific Classification
Cortaderia selloana 'Monrin' SUN STRIPE
Family
Poaceae
Genus
Cortaderia
Growth Habit
Upright
Native Status
L48 (I)
History & Origin
“Pampas grass originates from the grasslands of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, where indigenous peoples and early settlers lived among vast natural stands. The plant captivated Victorian gardeners around the world in the mid-1800s, and its official introduction to the United States in 1848 sparked a horticultural craze that hasn't diminished. European and American estates competed to showcase the most impressive specimens, transforming pampas grass into a symbol of elegant, naturalistic landscaping that remains influential in ornamental garden design today.”