Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' is a compact cold hardy variety of pampas grass known for its graceful plumes and reduced stature making it ideal for smaller gardens or urban landscapes. It produces creamy white flower spikes in late summer that persist into winter adding texture and movement to the garden. The finely textured arching foliage forms a dense clump that resists deer and tolerates drought once established.
Height & Spread: 36 - 60 in x 36 - 60 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Prefers well drained soils but adapts to a range of soil types
Watering Needs: Low once established; water deeply during prolonged dry periods
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed due to tough, fibrous foliage
Native Status
Cortaderia selloana is native to South America and has been cultivated globally for ornamental use. 'Pumila' is a dwarf selection bred for landscape adaptability and garden-scale appropriateness.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- The dense basal foliage provides winter shelter for small songbirds such as juncos and wrens while the fluffy seed heads are occasionally used in nest building.
Beneficial Insects
- The tall plumes and grass clumps offer refuge for predatory ground beetles and native spiders that help control pest insect populations in surrounding garden beds.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space plants 48 - 60 in apart to allow full expansion and airflow between clumps.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent as a standalone accent or in groups along fences, walls, or open meadow gardens where its plumes catch the light and wind beautifully. Also effective for erosion control on slopes due to its dense root structure.
Companion Plants
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - The cool airy flowers and silvery stems contrast beautifully with the vertical creamy plumes of dwarf pampas grass.
- Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' - A vertical grass pairing that echoes the structure of 'Pumila' and adds depth to grass based plantings.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Finely textured foliage and soft yellow flowers soften the bold form of pampas grass at the base.
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' - Bright pink daisy like flowers complement the upright form and bloom in sync during late summer.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Deep violet flower spikes offer color contrast and attract pollinators throughout summer.