Cortaderia selloana

Cortaderia selloana

5L nursery pot

Plant Highlights: Large feathery flower plumes • Bold evergreen foliage • Dramatic architectural presence • Excellent specimen plant • Long-lasting autumn and winter interest

Overview

Cortaderia selloana, commonly known as Pampas Grass, is a striking evergreen ornamental grass grown for its impressive upright plumes and bold fountain of arching foliage. From late summer into autumn, tall flowering stems rise well above the leaves, carrying large, silky plumes that create movement, texture and lasting architectural interest. The dried flower heads remain attractive well into winter, extending the plant's seasonal appeal.

This vigorous ornamental grass is ideal for creating a dramatic focal point in larger gardens, mixed borders and contemporary landscapes. Its strong, evergreen habit also makes it effective as a screening plant or as a backdrop to perennial planting, while its tolerance of coastal conditions makes it a reliable choice in many Irish gardens.

Why We Love It

• Magnificent feathery plumes provide months of seasonal interest.
• Bold evergreen foliage creates year-round structure.
• Excellent as a specimen or screening plant.
• Tolerates coastal conditions and exposed sites once established.
• Low-maintenance and long-lived.

Plant Details

Growing Guide

Position

Plant in a sunny, open position where there is sufficient space for the plant to develop its full architectural form. It performs best in full sun and is suitable for exposed and coastal gardens once established.

Watering

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system. Once established, Pampas Grass is drought tolerant and generally only requires watering during prolonged dry periods.

Soil

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil. Avoid sites that remain waterlogged during winter, as prolonged wet conditions can damage the crown.

Hardiness and Winter Care

Fully hardy in most Irish gardens. Leave the foliage and flower plumes intact over winter to help protect the crown and provide seasonal interest. In late winter or early spring, cut back old foliage before fresh growth begins, taking care to wear gloves as the leaf edges are sharp.

Routine Care

Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring if growing on poor soils. Divide large clumps only if necessary in spring, although established plants generally prefer to remain undisturbed.

Perfect For

• Specimen planting.
• Large mixed borders.
• Contemporary landscapes.
• Coastal gardens.
• Naturalistic and prairie-style planting.
• Screening and architectural features.

Good to Know

The mature size of Cortaderia selloana makes it best suited to medium and larger gardens where it has space to develop. The leaves have finely serrated edges, so gloves and long sleeves are recommended when pruning or tidying the plant.

Product Information

• Botanical name: Cortaderia selloana
• Supplied in a 5L nursery pot.
• Evergreen ornamental grass.
• Pot size refers to the plant at the time of sale and not its eventual mature size.