Overview
Cortaderia selloana 'Monstrosa' is a grass in the genus Cortaderia, part of the Poaceae family. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Cortaderia selloana 'Monstrosa' 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
Cortaderia selloana 'Monstrosa' is a large perennial grass originating from southern South America. It develops into a substantial clump topped by tall flowering stems and is valued where height and architectural form are required. The plant type is grass and its mature height is around 3.0 m, so allow space for a generous specimen. Plant in a sunny position; the variety requires full sun and tolerates sandy, loamy and clay soils provided they are well drained or moist but well drained. It is rated H5 for the UK, which translates as hardy in most UK gardens, and corresponds to USDA zones 7–11. Good drainage and an open, sunny aspect reduce the risk of winter wet around the crown. Best used where its size can be accommodated: the rear of a large border, as a tall screen or a single specimen on a spacious lawn. Give it room from footpaths and neighbouring plants because of its height and presence. Flowering in the UK runs from August to October, when the tall flowering stems rise above the foliage and mark the late-summer calendar.
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 'Monstrosa' 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 'Monstrosa'?
Cortaderia selloana 'Monstrosa' prefers full sun.
What soil does Cortaderia selloana 'Monstrosa' need?
Cortaderia selloana 'Monstrosa' 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 'Monstrosa' grow?
Cortaderia selloana 'Monstrosa' reaches a height of 3.0 m.
Is Cortaderia selloana 'Monstrosa' hardy in the UK?
Cortaderia selloana 'Monstrosa' 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
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Cortaderia genus
- Cortaderia fulvidatoetoe
- Cortaderia richardiitoe toe
- Cortaderia selloanapampas grass
- Cortaderia selloana 'Albo-lineata'Pampas Grass 'Albo-lineata'
- Cortaderia selloana 'Aureo-lineata'Pampas Grass 'Aureo-lineata'
- Cortaderia selloana 'Kermesina'Pampas Grass 'Kermesina'
- Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila'pampas grass 'Pumila'
- Cortaderia selloana 'Rendatleri'pampas grass 'Rendatleri'