Dwarf Pampas Grass
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
60 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
South America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila' is a compact, perennial grass with tall, feathery flower plumes and slender, arching foliage that forms dense clumps, typically showcasing silvery-white flower heads in late summer. This cultivar is notable for its smaller, more manageable size compared to standard pampas grass, making it suitable for smaller gardens and container planting while maintaining its ornamental appeal.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or small divisions into well-draining soil
- Water regularly until established, about 2 weeks
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Prune back dead foliage in late winter
- Mulch around base to retain moisture
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years for vigorous growth
Pro Tip
Plant in full sun with well-draining soil for best results
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during prolonged dry periods 🌱
- Prune dead foliage in late winter ❄️
- Fertilize annually in spring
- Divide every 3-4 years to maintain vigor
Don't
- Overwater to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid heavy clay soils without drainage
- Don’t cut back in fall before seed dispersal
- Neglect division which can lead to overcrowding
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Dwarf Pampas Grass questions
What zones can Dwarf Pampas Grass grow in?
Dwarf Pampas Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Dwarf Pampas Grass deer resistant?
Yes — Dwarf Pampas Grass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Dwarf Pampas Grass bloom?
Dwarf Pampas Grass typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Dwarf Pampas Grass need full sun?
Dwarf Pampas Grass does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Dwarf Pampas Grass drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dwarf Pampas Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Cortaderia to compare
Silver Comet Pampas Grass
Cortaderia selloana 'Silver Comet'
Pampas Grass Silver Stripe
Cortaderia selloana 'Silver Stripe'
Amber Waves Pampas Grass
Cortaderia selloana 'Amber Waves'
Pink Pampas Grass
Cortaderia selloana 'Pink'
Toetoe
Cortaderia egmontiana 'Plume Delight'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Dwarf Pampas Grass with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
