Cortaderia richardii - Compact Pampas Grass

IMPORTANT: for the preservation of our natural ecosystems, we have removed this plant from our catalogue as it is considered invasive. Therefore, it is no longer available for sale.

Cortaderia richardii is pampas grass, also known as Richard's pampas grass. It is a smaller, more compact and earlier-flowering perennial grass than the sellona species. From an attractive tuft of fine, bluish-green, arching leaves, large stems sprout in early summer, bearing charming, light, drooping, creamy buff-coloured spikes. Moderately hardy but wind-tolerant, it thrives in sun or part-shade, in ordinary soil, even poor, dry or damp, and even salt-laden. Its light, architectural charm is best appreciated in a bed or hedge, rather than as a standalone plant..

Cortaderia richardii is an ornamental grass belonging to the Poaceae family. It is native to New Zealand, unlike the sellona species which comes from Argentina and Brazil. In its natural habitat, it thrives in all types of environments, dry or wet, poor sandy soils of dunes. This grass forms a clump of linear, evergreen foliage in mild climates, with cutting, leathery, and rustling leaves, reaching a height of 1.20 m (4ft) and a width of 80 cm (32in) with a slightly arched habit. During flowering, it can reach up to 2 metres (7 feet). The leaves are bluish-green. Flower heads appear in early summer, June-July, emerging from the centre of the shrub in the form of loose, cream-coloured panicles measuring 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24in) in length. They are carried by flexible, cylindrical stems resistant to wind. It is hardy down to -12°C (10.4°F).

Cortaderia richardii is a very exotic plant and forms large tufts. However, it is essential to carefully consider before planting it in the garden. This grass is not demanding and can adapt to any garden except the smallest ones. It is best suited for large borders where its strong presence brings structure and grace, provided it has enough space to grow. Plant it among asters, behind chrysanthemums or perpetual roses, and let it grow and fill out. It looks mesmerising in a wild and tousled ambiance or modern and sleek settings when it plays with the wind and bends under the rain showers. In urban areas, pastel-coloured pampas grasses integrate well and soften the edges without clashing. They look magnificent near water features when accompanied by vernonias in well-drained soil.

Attention: Pampas grass can be invasive in certain regions. Once it escapes from the garden, it colonises fallow land, sandy environments and wetlands quickly causing significant ecological disruptions. If you live near any of these places, we recommend not planting it - instead consider other architectural grasses, such as Miscanthus.