grass

Toetoe

Cortaderia egmontiana 'Plume Delight'

The Story

Plant Bio

Austroderia richardii (syn. Cortaderia egmontiana), commonly known as Toetoe, is a large, clump-forming perennial grass native to New Zealand. It is distinct from the South American Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana). It forms dense tussocks of long, narrow leaves with sharp edges and produces tall, elegant, arching flower plumes in late summer.

The species is prized for its graceful, feathery, cream-colored flower plumes that are more weeping and delicate in appearance than those of Pampas Grass, creating a softer effect in the landscape. The plumes persist through winter, providing significant structural interest.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides tall, feathery texture year-round, with attractive seed heads in winter.

Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, ideal for xeriscaping.

Supports local bird populations with seed heads and shelter.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

120 inches

Width

72 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate, drought-tolerant once established

Humidity

Prefers dry to moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

New Zealand

Toxicity

Non-toxic, but leaves have sharp edges that can cut skin.

Bloom period

Late summer – Early fall

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks.
Plant in full sun for best growth.
Space plants 3 feet apart for airflow.
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide every 3-4 years in early spring to rejuvenate.

Pro Tip

Choose a sunny, well-drained site for best performance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water during dry spells 🌱
Cut back dead foliage in late winter
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring

Don't

Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
Avoid heavy, clay soils without amendments ❌
Don’t cut back in late fall to protect winter interest

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Plant
Spring Cleanup
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tall windbreakOrnamental border with feathery textureDrought-tolerant accent plant

Companion Plants

Lavender Sedum Echinacea YuccaRussian Sage

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Toetoe questions

What zones can Toetoe grow in?

Toetoe is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Toetoe deer resistant?

Yes — Toetoe is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Toetoe bloom?

Toetoe typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Toetoe need full sun?

Toetoe does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Toetoe drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Toetoe handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.