Also known as Pampas Grass · 188 saves
Cortaderia
Cortaderia, the genus most gardeners know as pampas grass. We track 9 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 7 most-saved Cortaderia varieties
Browse all 9 Cortaderia varieties →
Species of Cortaderia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Cortaderia in Sow
Save the Cortaderia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Cortaderia
Whats common across all Cortaderia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 9 most-grown of them.
The Cortaderia year
- DivideApril78% of varieties
Divide large, congested clumps every 5-10 years in early spring
- PruneFebruary and March78% of varieties
Cut back old foliage and plumes hard (to 6-12 inches) before new growth begins.
- PlantApril, May, October and November44% of varieties
Plant in spring or early fall in a sunny, well-drained location
- Winter PrepNovember and December33% of varieties
Tie foliage together to protect the crown and contain sharp leaves during winter
Do
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
- Cut back dead foliage in late winter
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Water during prolonged dry periods 🌱
Avoid
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Avoid heavy, clay soils without amendments ❌
- Don’t cut back in late fall to protect winter interest
What goes wrong with Cortaderia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and stippling on the foliage during hot, dry weather. | Blast the foliage with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap if infestations persist. |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use neem oil or insecticidal soap |
| Rust | Orange pustules on leaves | Apply organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
| Root rot | Foliage yellowing, wilting, and decay at the base of the clump in wet soil. | Ensure excellent soil drainage and avoid overwatering, especially during winter dormancy. |
| Generally disease-free | No significant disease issues are typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
Making more Cortaderia
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring
- Separate into smaller sections with roots intact
- Plant divisions 3 feet apart in prepared soil
- Water thoroughly and mulch
Seeds
- Scatter seeds on moist soil in early spring
- Lightly press seeds into soil surface
- Keep soil moist for 6 weeks until germination
Cortaderia questions
How many types of Cortaderia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 9 distinct Cortaderia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 188 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Cortaderia grow in?
Across its varieties, Cortaderia covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Cortaderia bloom?
Most Cortaderia varieties bloom in late summer, late summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Cortaderia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.