Uruguayan pampas grass is a dramatic, large ornamental grass native to South America that transforms gardens with towering silvery plumes from late summer through winter. Hardy in zones 8 to 10, this species grows 8 to 12 feet tall and spreads 4 to 6 feet wide, creating substantial tussocks of finely serrated, arching green foliage crowned by feathery white blooms. First introduced to the United States in 1848, it became a Victorian favorite and remains one of the most popular ornamental grasses worldwide. The plant thrives in full sun with moderate water and drought tolerance, making it a low-maintenance choice for warm-climate gardens seeking dramatic seasonal interest.
Full Sun
Moderate
8-10
144in H x 72in W
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Moderate
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This massive grass produces prodigious amounts of ethereal, silvery plumes that emerge in August and persist through February, creating a visual spectacle few ornamental plants can match. The foliage itself is stunning year-round, composed of finely serrated, narrow green leaves that arch gracefully outward in dense clumps. It tolerates drought, urban conditions, and even black walnut proximity once established, thriving in full sun and moderate moisture. The feathery blooms dry beautifully on the plant or cut for arrangements, extending the visual appeal well into winter.
Pampas grass is grown primarily as a landscape specimen for its ornamental value. The feathery plumes are excellent for cutting fresh or drying for long-lasting indoor arrangements. It serves well for naturalizing in large garden spaces where its substantial size and seasonal blooms can provide drama and movement.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Cut foliage back to ground level in late winter to encourage vigorous new growth. Remove the entire plume display after winter dormancy to allow fresh shoots to emerge. Clumps may be divided in late winter to early spring if you wish to propagate or rejuvenate aging plants.
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“Cortaderia selloana hails from the grasslands of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile, where it evolved as a dominant species of the pampas ecosystem. Victorian plant hunters brought it to the United States in 1848, where it quickly captured the imagination of ornamental gardeners and spread across warm-climate regions. Its dramatic form and exotic heritage made it a status symbol in Victorian gardens, and today it remains a globe-trotting ornamental beloved for the same reasons that enchanted 19th-century gardeners: sheer architectural presence and a touch of faraway landscapes.”