
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
Northern and Mid South gardeners will rejoice, a cold hardy pampas grass is now here! Cortaderia ‘Pumila’ is one of the most cold hardy pampas grasses and is now available in this dwarf size, making it easier to handle in smaller landscapes and gardens. Dark green foliage rustles beneath long, luxuriously soft creamy white plumes that can reach 18 inches long, creating a dramatic spectacle when planted alone as a specimen, or in a massive drift of creamy white color. You have to try this beautiful perennial grass this spring!
Native to Brazil, Argentina and Chile, and growing in the Pampas region of the Argentinian grasslands where it got its name from, C. selloana is a highly contested invasive plant in many areas of the United States. Care should be taken when planting any plant that is included on the invasives list, and conscientious gardeners will contact their county extension agent to inquire about particular species of plants that affect their area. Cortaderia ‘Pumila’ is reported to be a sterile, non seed producing plant, making this an environmentally wise choice for gardeners across the country.
Pampas Grass Care
Categorized as an easy care perennial grass, Pumila asks for a full sun location with moist, well drained garden soil. Once established, Pumila is relatively drought resistant and likes to stay on the drier side. It is tolerant of a wide variety of soil pH ranges, drawing its nutrients from the soil very efficiently. It is considered a low maintenance plant, and is small enough to be handled with ease, unlike its sometimes giant counterparts. Water only when in an extended dry period. It is capable of being planted in the open, and tolerates wind easily. In fact, that’s when it is the most beautiful, with the wind creating incredible movement of the leaves and flowers. It is salt tolerant and deer and rabbits rarely browse on it.
Deadheading is not required for continuing, long lasting blooms. Blooms typically last up to 4 weeks! Harvest stems frequently, but only because you enjoy the plumes in indoor dried flower arrangements. Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years to alleviate overcrowding. Cortaderia spread via underground root systems and will experience some decline if allowed to get overcrowded. Divide in late winter, early spring for best results. Cut tussocks of dormant grass down in late winter prior to new growth appearing to give new growth room to grow. Pumila will provides some winter interest with its strong vertical stems and dried flower heads which age to a caramel tan color.
Pampas Grass Spacing
Space your plants according to what you want to create in your landscape. If massing out in huge drifts and creating a hedge, plant about 36 inches apart. If planting with other tall perennials in your garden bed or landscape, allow 48 inches of space between plants. This grass makes a great stand alone specimen plant for your landscape, and also looks great when planted in large containers on your patio. Dwarf Pampas grass Pumila will grow to about 5 feet tall and spread out to about 4 feet wide. However you choose to plant this in your landscape this spring, you will enjoy this newer, smaller and tougher version of the lovely Pampas grass!
Pampas Grass Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 7-10 |
Plant Type: Perennial Grass |
Sunlight Exposure: Full Sun |
Mature Height: 8 - 10 Feet |
Mature Width: 6 - 8 Feet |
Plant Spacing: 6 - 8 Feet |
Growth Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Shade: White, Tan |
Seasonal Interest: Summer to Fall |
Foliage Type: Herbaceous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Resists: Deer, Disease |
Tolerates: Heat, Drought |
Features: Deadheading Not Necessary, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
Uses: Foundation, Groundcover, Hedge, Specimen |
Botanical/Scientific Name: Cortaderia selloana |
- SKU:
- PAMGR
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2025 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 31th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!