Overview

Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' is a clump-forming grass in the genus Cortaderia, part of the Poaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include specimen plant, ornamental grass and dried flower arrangements. 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 pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Grass

Habit

Clump-forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

3.0 m

Suggested uses

Specimen plant, ornamental grass, dried flower arrangements

Native to

Southern South America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila'

Cultivation

Plant in full sun with well-drained soil; water regularly during establishment; divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor.

Pruning

Cut back to about 15 cm above ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Propagation

Division, seed

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions