Cortaderia selloana Pumila

IMPORTANT: To preserve our natural ecosystems, we have removed this plant from our catalogue as it is considered invasive. It is, therefore, no longer available for sale.

The Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila', better known as 'Pumila' Pampas Grass, is a variety with moderate growth and a more compact habit, forming remarkable fluffy and silky panicles in late summer of a tender pale silver blonde. Slightly less hardy than others, this variety best suits mild climates. This beautiful perennial grass can easily grow in the sun, even in salty soil. As such, it is perfect for coastal gardens.

Cortaderia selloana, also known as Gynerium or Cortaderia argentea, is a large, highly ornamental grass belonging to the family Poaceae. It is native to South America, specifically Argentina and Brazil, where it covers the edges of roads and trails, stream banks, fallow land, and disturbed areas by prolific self-seeding. This plant is characterised by its remarkable adaptability to its soil, even accepting the semi-arid conditions of subtropical climates. It is a dioecious plant, meaning there are male and female plants. It has given rise to numerous cultivars, which vary significantly in hardiness.

The 'Pumila' variety differs from the species mainly in its lower and more compact habit and the pale yellow colour of its flower heads. This grass forms a tuft of linear, evergreen foliage, which persists during mild winters. The leaves are sharp, challenging, and rustling. The mature plant reaches a height of 1.20m (4ft) when in flower, with a spread of 80cm (32in) to 1m (3ft). Its slightly arched habit resembles that of a fountain. The leaves are a relatively intense gray-green-blue colour. Its splendid flower heads appear in late summer, in August-September, in the centre of the tuft, in the form of large fluffy panicles, 30 to 50cm (12 to 20in) long, which persist on the plant at least until November, while taking on intense silver reflections. They are borne on sturdy cylindrical stems that are highly wind-resistant. When both male and female individuals are present, the female plants produce many seeds dispersed by the wind.

This widely used large grass has been in our gardens since the 1960s. The only point that can perhaps be emphasised is the misuse that has been made of it. It is true that it looks a bit ridiculous, planted all alone in the middle of a lawn, but it is so beautiful when used in mass plantings or a flower bed among shrubs. The Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' indeed forms beautiful tufts with a very exotic appearance, but it should not be adopted in the garden without taking the time to consider it; its motto could well be: "I'm here, I'm staying!" This undemanding grass can adapt to all gardens in mild climates, even small ones. Suited for extensive plantings, its strong presence brings structure and grace if given enough space to grow. Contemplative gardeners will place it among asters, behind chrysanthemums, smoke bushes, or repeat-flowering roses and let it grow and expand. Pampas Grass blends in well with its pastel colours in urban areas, softening angles.

Attention: Pampas Grass can be invasive in certain regions. When it escapes from gardens, it covers fallow land, sandy areas, and wetlands, causing significant ecological disturbances. If you live in an affected region, we recommend not planting it. Many architectural grasses, such as Miscanthus, can replace it.