Ornamental White Pampas Grass

White pampas grass is a popular landscaping plant.

White pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is native to Argentina and southern Brazil. This large perennial grass, with impressive plumes, is often used as an ornamental plant in landscaping.

Description

White pampas grass reaches approximately 10 feet tall. It grows in dense clumps with long, narrow upright leaves. Female plants develop 2- to 3-foot-tall, showy, white, feathery plumes in summer and autumn.

Use

White pampass grass is practical as well as ornamental. It is often used to stabilize erodible soils. As an ornamental, it serves as a focal point in a landscape or garden, offering contrast to surrounding plants. Its plumes are often cut and dried for indoor decorations.

Cultivation

Pampas grass grows in a variety of soils. It does best in a well-drained area in full sun. It is drought-tolerant, deer-tolerant and has few pest problems. White pampas grass grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5b to 11.

References

• North Carolina State University: Ornamental Grasses for North Carolina
• The University of Georgia: Pampas Grass
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Cortaderia selloana Pampas Grass