Overview
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' is a grass in the genus Cortaderia, part of the Q43238 family. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is native to Southern South America.
About
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' is a tall ornamental grass reaching about 3.0 m, notable for its prominent flowering from August to October. It favours full sun and tolerates a range of soils including sandy, loamy and clay, provided they are well-drained or moist but well-drained. Rated H5 for UK hardiness and suitable for USDA zones 7–11, it originates from southern South America. Use it where a tall, long-lived grass is required as a screen or structural backdrop.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cortaderia selloana
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 'Pumila' is a grass from southern South America that grows to roughly 3.0 m and flowers between August and October. The species produces conspicuous flower heads during that period, which define its seasonal interest. Establish plants in a sunny position; the cultivar performs best in full sun and accepts sandy, loamy or clay soils so long as they remain well‑drained or at most moist but well‑drained. It carries an H5 rating, which translates to ‘hardy’ in UK terms, and is also suited to USDA zones 7–11. Give each clump room to develop and avoid waterlogged sites because poor drainage is the main limitation for many large grasses. Once established, plants tolerate the range of British winters consistent with H5, so they are appropriate for most locations outside the coldest sheltered hollows. In the garden, Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' functions as a tall screen, a backdrop for herbaceous borders or a wind break in larger beds. At about 3.0 m tall it provides immediate vertical structure where height is required without needing woody planting.
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 'Pumila' 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 'Pumila'?
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' prefers full sun.
What soil does Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' need?
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' 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 'Pumila' grow?
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' reaches a height of 3.0 m.
Is Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' hardy in the UK?
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
More in the Cortaderia genus
- Cortaderia fulvidatoetoe
- Cortaderia richardiitoe toe
- Cortaderia selloanapampas grass
- Cortaderia selloana 'Albo-lineata'Pampas Grass 'Albo-lineata'
- Cortaderia selloana 'Andes Silver'pampas grass 'Andes Silver'
- Cortaderia selloana 'Aureo-lineata'Pampas Grass 'Aureo-lineata'
- Cortaderia selloana 'Kermesina'Pampas Grass 'Kermesina'
- Cortaderia selloana 'Monstrosa'pampas grass 'Monstrosa'