Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana)
Care, watering, light and tips for Pampas grass on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Poaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
About Pampas grass
Cortaderia selloana, commonly known as Pampas Grass, is an imposing ornamental grass native to South America. It is characterized by its large, feathery, silvery-white or pink plumes that emerge from dense clumps of long, slender leaves. It is ideal for creating dramatic focal points in large gardens, borders, or as a visual screen.
Native range
South America, mainly Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay
Care tips
It requires full sun to thrive and produce abundant blooms. It is drought-tolerant once established but benefits from occasional watering during dry spells. It prefers well-drained soils and is not demanding regarding substrate. A common mistake is not pruning it annually in late winter or early spring, which is crucial for healthy growth and to prevent it from becoming too woody.
How to save a dying Pampas grass
- Warning signs
- Dry, yellowing or brown leaves, with drooping or soft stems. Lack of flowering or weak plumes.
- First aid
- Prune damaged leaves and stems. Check drainage. Adjust watering according to season and humidity.
- What kills it
- Excessive moisture and waterlogging, especially in winter. Over-pruning or pruning at the wrong time.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if roots are not rotted. It's very resilient and recovers with good care.