Overview
Cortaderia selloana 'Albo-lineata' is a grass in the genus Cortaderia, part of the Poaceae family. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Cortaderia selloana 'Albo-lineata' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is native to Southern South America.
About the genus
Cortaderia is a genus of plants in the Poaceae or grass family of plants.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cortaderia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cortaderia
In the garden
A large, clump-forming grass from southern South America, Cortaderia selloana 'Albo-lineata' produces architectural plumes in late summer and early autumn. Mature plants reach roughly 3.0 m and are most effective where they can be seen against a skyline rather than tucked into a small border. The species origin favours open, well-lit positions and that should guide siting in a UK garden. Give the cultivar full sun and a soil that ranges from sandy to clay, while ensuring moisture is retained without waterlogging—described here as moist but well-drained. The plant carries an H5 hardiness rating in the UK (equivalent to a hardy classification) and also occupies USDA zones 7–11, so it will withstand typical winter conditions across much of Britain when sited appropriately. Because of its height, use Cortaderia selloana 'Albo-lineata' as a specimen or as a tall backdrop to lower planting, and avoid placing it where a 3.0 m plant would block paths or windows. Expect its signature plume display from August to October, which provides late-summer and autumn structure in larger borders.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cortaderia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Cortaderia selloana 'Albo-lineata' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Height
- 3.0 m
- Native to
- Southern South America
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cortaderia selloana 'Albo-lineata'?
Cortaderia selloana 'Albo-lineata' prefers full sun.
What soil does Cortaderia selloana 'Albo-lineata' need?
Cortaderia selloana 'Albo-lineata' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How big does Cortaderia selloana 'Albo-lineata' grow?
Cortaderia selloana 'Albo-lineata' reaches a height of 3.0 m.
Is Cortaderia selloana 'Albo-lineata' hardy in the UK?
Cortaderia selloana 'Albo-lineata' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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More in the Cortaderia genus
- Cortaderia fulvidatoetoe

- Cortaderia richardiitoe toe
- Cortaderia selloanapampas grass

- Cortaderia selloana 'Aureo-lineata'Pampas Grass 'Aureo-lineata'

- Cortaderia selloana 'Kermesina'Pampas Grass 'Kermesina'

- Cortaderia selloana 'Monstrosa'pampas grass 'Monstrosa'

- Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila'pampas grass 'Pumila'

- Cortaderia selloana 'Rendatleri'pampas grass 'Rendatleri'
