Pampas Grass Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila'
ABOUT
The Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila', commonly known as the dwarf pampas grass, is a compact version of the larger pampas grass varieties and is valued for its ornamental appeal. This perennial plant sports a lush, grassy mound of narrow, arching leaves that are a silvery-green color. The foliage is dense and can form a round, fountain-like shape. One of the most striking features of the dwarf pampas grass is its showy plumes. These plumes are feathery and delicate, emerging above the foliage on sturdy stems that allow them to sway gracefully with the wind. They usually bloom in late summer to early fall, starting out with a creamy white color that may fade to a soft straw hue as they mature and dry out. These fluffy plumes are often used in dried flower arrangements due to their longevity and visual interest. In contrast to its parent species, the dwarf pampas grass maintains a more manageable and less aggressive growth habit, making it suitable for smaller garden spaces or as a specimen plant in landscape designs. The tactile quality of both the grassy leaves and the soft plumes adds a sensory dimension to gardens where this plant is grown. Its low-maintenance nature, coupled with its tolerance for different soil types and drought resistance, makes it a popular choice among gardeners looking for a reliable ornamental grass.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae
Synonyms
Dwarf Pampas Grass, Miniature Pampas Grass
Common names
Arundo selloana, Gynerium selloanum, Cortaderia argentea, Cortaderia dioica.
ToxicityTo humans
Pampas grass, Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila', is not considered toxic to humans if ingested. However, the plant can be an irritant; its sharp-edged leaves can cause cuts and abrasions, and its fine hairs can irritate the eyes, skin, and throat. Ingesting the plant is unlikely to cause poisoning, but it is not advisable due to the potential mechanical injury from the plant's serrated leaf margins.
To pets
Pampas grass is similarly non-toxic to pets. However, the sharp leaves can cause physical injury to the mouth, throat, or intestines if ingested. While it is unlikely to cause typical symptoms of poisoning, physical damage and irritation from the plant's serrated leaves can be harmful to animals if they attempt to ingest it, potentially leading to discomfort, pain, or more severe internal injuries.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Grass
Hardiness zones
6-10
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Pampas Grass 'Pumila' has attractive, dense tussocks of arching leaves and large, feathery plumes that add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is highly tolerant of drought, requiring minimal watering and maintenance.
- Erosion Control: Its robust root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it suitable for planting on slopes or banks.
- Adaptability: It can handle a variety of soil types and weather conditions, making it versatile for different climates and gardens.
- Privacy Screen: When planted in groups, it can serve as an effective natural barrier for privacy or to block out unwanted views.
- Wildlife Habitat: The dense foliage and tall plumes can provide shelter and nesting material for birds and other wildlife.
- Low Fertilizer Needs: Pampas Grass 'Pumila' requires very little fertilization, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.
- Long-Lived Perennial: It is a perennial plant that can live for many years, providing long-term structure to garden designs.
- Seasonal Interest: The showy plumes emerge in late summer and persist into fall and even winter, offering visual interest throughout multiple seasons.
- Wind Break: It can be used as a windbreak to protect smaller plants and reduce wind speed in exposed areas.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Sound Barriers: Pampas Grass can be used to diminish traffic noise when planted in dense rows alongside roads or highways, due to its tall and dense growth.
- Privacy Screens: With its tall plumes, Pampas Grass is often planted to create natural and aesthetically pleasing privacy screens for homes or outdoor areas.
- Soil Erosion Control: The extensive root system of Pampas Grass helps to prevent soil erosion on slopes and embankments.
- Themed Landscaping: Pampas Grass is utilized in thematic gardens, such as Oriental or tropical designs, to add impact and complement the garden's style.
- Windbreaks: The height and density of Pampas Grass allow it to act as a windbreak, protecting smaller plants and reducing wind speed in gardens.
- Film and Theater Production: Pampas Grass can be used on film and theater sets as a prop to simulate reeds or exotic flora.
- Floral Arrangements: Dried plumes of Pampas Grass are popular in floral arrangements for their longevity and dramatic appearance.
- Crafts and Decorations: The plumes are used in crafting, such as making wreaths or as part of decorative displays in homes and public spaces.
- Photography: Pampas Grass provides a natural and attractive backdrop for outdoor photography sessions.
- Festive Decorations: During holidays, Pampas Grass is often incorporated into seasonal decor, particularly for autumnal displays and events.
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: Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila', commonly known as Pampas Grass, often symbolizes beauty due to its elegant plumes and graceful form.
- Resilience: Pampas Grass is a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions, representing the ability to withstand adversity.
- Prosperity: The fullness and abundance of Pampas Grass plumes can be seen as a symbol of wealth and success.
- Privacy: Often used in landscaping as a natural privacy barrier, Pampas Grass can symbolize a desire for solitude or personal space.
- Freedom: The way that Pampas Grass sways in the wind can evoke feelings of openness and freedom.
WaterFor the Dwarf Pampas Grass, water it thoroughly to establish the root system when you first plant it, which typically means providing about 1 inch of water weekly, depending on soil and climate conditions. Once established, Dwarf Pampas Grass is quite drought-tolerant and will require water only when the soil is visibly dry. About one gallon of water every two weeks should suffice, although in very hot or windy conditions you may need to water more frequently. During winter months, you can reduce watering significantly as the plant is not actively growing and excess moisture may harm the plant.
LightDwarf Pampas Grass thrives in a location where it can receive full sun for at least six hours per day. It is a plant that prefers bright light, which encourages the fullest growth and best flowering. If planted in too much shade, the plant might not grow as vigorously or produce as many plumes.
TemperatureDwarf Pampas Grass flourishes in a temperature range of 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate cold down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit but prefers warmer climates. Its ideal growing temperatures are between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which encourages robust growth and flowering.
PruningPrune Dwarf Pampas Grass in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Cut back the foliage to about 4 to 6 inches from the ground to remove old, unattractive foliage and to stimulate healthy, new growth. Pruning once per year is sufficient as this encourages the plant to produce fresh, attractive foliage and plumes for the upcoming season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Dwarf Pampas Grass prefers a well-draining soil mix with a good amount of organic matter. It should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture of loam, peat, and coarse sand can provide the right balance of drainage and fertility for optimal growth.
RepottingDwarf Pampas Grass is a large, fast-growing plant that typically does not require frequent repotting. It may be repotted or divided every 3 to 4 years if it outgrows its container or to rejuvenate its growth.
Humidity & MistingDwarf Pampas Grass is adaptable to various humidity conditions and thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. It does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown in its natural outdoor environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in full sun, water well, repot as needed.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, water deeply.
Hardiness zone
7-11 USDA
Life cycleCortaderia selloana 'Pumila', commonly known as Pampas Grass, begins its life as a seed, which germinates in moist, well-drained soil under full sunlight. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the development of grass-like blades and a robust root system. As the plant matures into its vegetative stage, it produces dense tufts of silvery-green foliage, forming a clumping growth habit. During its reproductive stage, in late summer to fall, Pampas Grass displays its distinctive white or creamy flower plumes that can reach several feet in height, attracting pollinators and dispersing seeds through the wind. After the blooming period, the plant enters a period of dormancy in colder climates, wherein the foliage may die back but the roots remain viable for the next growing season. Pampas Grass can live for several years, with individual clumps expanding in size each growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila', commonly known as Dwarf Pampas Grass, is typically propagated through division, which is a popular and efficient way to propagate this ornamental grass. The best time to divide Dwarf Pampas Grass is in late winter to early spring, just before new growth begins. To propagate through division, one should carefully dig up the parent plant, ensuring to keep a good amount of roots intact with each clump. Using a sharp knife or spade, divide the root ball into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy root system. These divisions can then be replanted in well-draining soil at the same depth they were originally growing. Ensure the plants are watered thoroughly after planting to help establish the new divisions. This process allows the gardener to produce new plants that are genetically identical to the parent, thus ensuring the preservation of any desirable traits exhibited by the parent plant.
