Pampas grass 'Pink Feather' Cortaderia selloana 'Pink Feather'
ABOUT
'Pink Feather' is a densely tufted, clump-forming, perennial grass, up to 2.5 m high and 1.5m wide, with evergreen, arching, sharply toothed, blue-green leaves, and plume-like panicles of glistening pink spikelets, in late summer or early autumn
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae
Synonyms
Pink Pampas Grass, Pink Feather Pampas Grass
Common names
Cortaderia selloana 'Pink Feather'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
7-10
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Offers striking visual interest with its large, feathery plumes that have a soft pink hue.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping and arid climates.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care beyond the initial planting, making it ideal for busy or novice gardeners.
- Privacy Screen: Can be used to create a dense, tall barrier for increased privacy or as a windbreak in the landscape.
- Wildlife Attraction: Its flowers can attract birds and its dense foliage provides shelter for various types of wildlife.
- Soil Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or banks.
- Long-Lasting Blooms: The plumes remain attractive throughout the fall and into the winter, providing extended seasonal interest.
- Versatility: Can be used in a wide range of landscape designs, from formal to naturalistic settings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Pink Feather, or pampas grass, can be dried and used for long-lasting floral arrangements and indoor decorations, providing texture and a soft color palette to interiors.
- Pampas grass is utilized in the fashion industry, particularly for creating extravagant and bohemian accessories, such as elaborate headpieces for photoshoots or events.
- Stems of pampas grass are sometimes used in the construction of musical instruments, particularly as reeds for wind instruments, due to their durability and flexibility.
- In landscaping, pampas grass can function as a natural privacy screen, growing tall and dense to block out unwanted views or to demarcate property lines.
- Artists often use the plumes of pampas grass as a natural medium for creating large-scale sculptures and installations, capitalizing on their size and visual impact.
- This plant can be used in crafting, especially in making paper or pulp due to the fibrous nature of its leaves and stems.
- The strong fibrous stems of pampas grass can be woven to create eco-friendly garden ties, supporting other plants without the need for synthetic materials.
- As a sound barrier, pampas grass can help reduce noise pollution when planted in dense hedges alongside roads or around property perimeters.
- The dried plumes of pampas grass can be used as a natural tinder for starting fires in outdoor settings, such as camping or in fire pits.
- In ceremonies and celebrations, pampas grass is often used as a symbol of prosperity and fertility, and it can be incorporated into festive decor or ceremonial bouquets.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pampas Grass is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Pampas Grass is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Beauty and Grace: Also known as Pampas Grass, Cortaderia selloana 'Pink Feather' is often associated with beauty and grace due to its elegant plumes and delicate pink hue.
- Invasiveness: Pampas Grass can also symbolize an overwhelming nature or invasiveness as it is known to proliferate rapidly and can be difficult to control once established.
- Resilience: The plant's hardiness and ability to thrive in various conditions represent resilience and adaptability to life’s challenges.
- Prosperity and Wealth: Because of its lush and full appearance, Pampas Grass is sometimes used to symbolize prosperity and abundance.
- Privacy: Owing to its dense growth, Pampas Grass is often planted to create private spaces, thus symbolizing the need for personal space and privacy.
WaterPampas Grass, when established, has drought-tolerant properties but appreciates regular watering to keep the soil moist, especially during hot and dry periods. In the absence of rainfall, water the Pampas Grass once a week with about 1-2 gallons of water, allowing the moisture to penetrate deeply into the soil to encourage deep root growth. During cooler months, you can reduce watering frequency, only ensuring the plant receives water every other week or when the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Avoid overhead watering to prevent moisture sitting on the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Be mindful that young plants will need more consistent watering until they are fully established.
LightPampas Grass thrives best in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow healthy and produce its characteristic plumes. The ideal spot for Pampas Grass would be an open area away from shade-casting buildings or trees. Partial shade is tolerable, but it may result in fewer flowers and weaker growth.
TemperaturePampas Grass is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures; however, it performs optimally in temperatures between 70°F and 90°F. The plant can survive minimum winter temperatures down to about 20°F, whereas high temperatures over 100°F are well-tolerated as long as the plant receives adequate moisture. It's best positioned in locales where the temperatures typically fall within these ranges for optimal growth.
PruningPrune Pampas Grass in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This involves cutting back the entire plant to about one foot from the ground to remove old foliage and make room for fresh growth. Pruning is essential not only to maintain an attractive size and shape but also to encourage healthy new plumes to form the following season. Depending on the climate and plant size, annual or biennial pruning may be necessary.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPampas Grass prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.5. An ideal soil mix can be made with loamy soil, compost, and coarse sand to improve drainage. Regular garden soil amended with organic matter can also support healthy growth.
RepottingPampas Grass rarely needs repotting as it's typically planted directly in the ground. If grown in containers, repotting may be required every 2 to 3 years to provide fresh soil and more space.
Humidity & MistingPampas Grass is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Pampas Grass near a South-facing window for ample light.
Outdoor
Plant Pampas Grass in a sunny spot and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
7-11 USDA
Life cyclePampas Grass 'Pink Feather' begins its life as a seed which germinates in warm soil, typically in late spring or early summer. The seedling grows into a clumping perennial with long, arching grass-like leaves. Over time, it develops a robust root system that allows it to thrive, particularly in warmer climates. Mature plants will produce tall, feather-like inflorescences in late summer or early fall, which showcase their characteristic pink hue. These plumes contain seeds that can be dispersed by wind to propagate the plant. After flowering, Pampas Grass may enter a period of dormancy during colder months, only to regrow from its sturdy roots with the return of warmer weather.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Pampas Grass 'Pink Feather' is through division, which is best done in the late winter or early spring just before new growth begins. To propagate by division, first, carefully dig up the parent clump of pampas grass, making sure to get as much of the root system as possible. The clump should then be divided into smaller sections, each with a portion of roots and shoots. These sections can typically range in size from about 6 inches (15 cm) to a foot (30 cm) across. After division, the new plants should be immediately replanted at the same depth they were growing before and watered thoroughly to establish them. This method is favored as it allows the plants to recover from the division process during the growing season, ensuring better establishment and growth.
