Grass, Pampas #2
Pampas Grass
Cortaderia selloana
Height: Typically 6–8 feet tall in Michigan’s cooler climate
Spread: Approximately 4–6 feet wide
Spacing: Plant 4–6 feet apart for a neat, textural screen
Growth Rate: Medium
Deciduous
Description
Pampas Grass transforms your landscape with its stunning, architectural presence. In Michigan’s cooler climate, this refined ornamental grass reaches a modest 6–8 feet in height, forming a beautiful clump of lush green foliage accented by subtle silver streaks. When the days grow longer, spectacular feathery plumes emerge—dazzling burgundy in mid-summer that mellow to a soft, creamy hue by autumn. These showstopping plumes lend a magnificent, textural statement to borders or mass plantings, while the airy, upright habit creates an inspiring visual accent that remains attractive well into winter.
General Care
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun; ensure at least 6 hours of direct light daily for optimal plume development.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; adaptable to various soil types when moisture is moderated.
- Watering: Provide moderate, consistent watering during the growing season; allow the top inch of soil to dry between sessions, especially in cooler Michigan conditions.
- Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base to conserve moisture and stabilize soil temperature.
- Pruning: In late winter or early spring, cut back dead or overly dense growth to maintain a tidy clump and encourage fresh shoots.
- Containers: Performs well in spacious containers provided ample room is given for root growth.
Elevate your landscape with Pampas Grass—a bold, refined, and low-maintenance showstopper that adds a splash of elegant texture and enduring winter interest to any outdoor space.
