Pampas grass seeds - Cortaderia selloana

Cortaderia selloana - pampas grass

One of the most spectacular ornamental grasses: dense clumps of gracefully arching leaves and tall, fluffy plumes in shades of silvery white. Cortaderia selloana originates from South America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay) and is valued as a cut flower - both fresh and dried. The plant is also known as cortaderia, pampas grass or white pampas grass.

Appearance and growth habit

The grass forms dense, upright clumps of long, arching, evergreen leaves. In September and October, it produces impressive plumes, usually silvery white. With its inflorescences, it reaches approximately 200 cm in height. Plants grown from seed are variable - the colour and shape of the plumes may differ slightly.

Cultivation

Pampas grass requires well-drained, fertile, humus-rich and warm soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 7-10, so in Poland it requires a warm, sheltered position and winter protection for the clump. It looks best as a solitary plant, planted approximately 200 cm apart.

Uses

The plumes are excellent for cut flowers and dried bouquets - they have been used in floral arrangements for over 150 years. The genus was named in 1818 in honour of the German botanist Friedrich Sellow, a researcher of South American flora.

Seed information

Number of seeds per 1 g: approx. 5,615. The seeds germinate at around 20°C with consistently moderate substrate moisture; cover them with a thin layer of soil, while very fine seeds should only be pressed gently into the substrate. After emergence, keep the seedlings in a slightly cooler, bright location.