Species

Cortaderia selloanaPampas Grass

6 other cultivars

grass

Pink pampas grass

Cortaderia selloana 'Rosea'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cortaderia selloana is a massive, clumping perennial grass native to South America that forms dense, fountain-like tussocks of arching foliage. The long, narrow leaves feature microscopic margin serrations that easily lacerate skin, while the wind-pollinated flowers rise on tall, feathery plumes in late summer.

'Rosea' is distinguished by its soft, candy-floss pink inflorescences that retain their color through fall. This selection maintains the robust, drought-tolerant growth habit of the species, reaching heights of up to twelve feet when in full bloom.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides dramatic vertical structure and soft pink, feathery plumes that persist into winter.

Excellent for erosion control on dry banks and serves as an effective, sharp-leaved barrier or privacy screen.

Highly resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, though it offers low wildlife value and can displace native species.

SpeciesCortaderia selloanaPampas Grass

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

144"

Width

72"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late summer – Fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with highly permeable, well-draining soil to prevent winter root rot.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it grew in the container.
Water deeply during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-resistant root system.
Cut the entire clump back hard to six to twelve inches from the base in late winter before new spring growth emerges.

Pro Tip

Always wear heavy-duty leather gloves and protective eyewear when pruning; the razor-sharp leaf margins cause painful skin lacerations upon contact.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune the foliage mound back annually in late winter to clear out dead thatch.
Remove spent flower plumes before they set seed to prevent invasive spread.
Wear thick leather gloves and long sleeves whenever handling the sharp foliage.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged soils where winter rot can occur.
Do not apply excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which causes weak, floppy stems.
Do not plant near high-traffic walkways where the sharp leaves can injure passersby.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Fertilize
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen plantingPrivacy screenErosion control on dry slopesWindbreak

Companion Plants

Panicum virgatum Salvia leucantha Echinacea purpurea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pink pampas grass questions

What zones can Pink pampas grass grow in?

Pink 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 Pink pampas grass deer resistant?

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

When does Pink pampas grass bloom?

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

Does Pink pampas grass need full sun?

Pink pampas grass does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Pink pampas grass drought tolerant?

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