Species

Cortaderia selloanaPampas Grass

4 other cultivars

grass

Silver Comet Pampas Grass

Cortaderia selloana 'Silver Comet'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cortaderia selloana 'Silver Comet' is a tall, clump-forming grass featuring arching, silvery-green foliage and large, plume-like flower heads that are cream to white in color, providing a striking ornamental display.

This cultivar is distinguished by its exceptionally vigorous growth, silvery foliage that retains its color throughout the season, and its adaptability to a variety of soil types, making it an excellent choice for windbreaks and ornamental borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking vertical texture and silvery foliage in garden beds and borders.

Drought tolerant, needs minimal watering once established.

Attracts native birds with its seed plumes, supports local biodiversity.

SpeciesCortaderia selloanaPampas Grass

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

60 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

South America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late summer – Late fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or divisions into well-draining soil in early spring.
Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks.
Position in full sun for best growth.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring.
Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide clumps every 3–4 years to maintain health.

Pro Tip

Plant in well-drained soil in full sun for vigorous growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply during dry periods 🌱
Cut back in late winter before new growth begins
Divide every 3–4 years to prevent overcrowding
Use organic mulch to conserve moisture

Don't

Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
Don’t prune in late fall, wait until early spring
Do not plant in poorly drained soil
Avoid fertilizing with high nitrogen in late season

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Silver‑foliaged hedgeBold accent in perennial borderDrought‑tolerant coastal garden

Companion Plants

Lavender Sedum EchinaceaRussian Sage Ornamental grasses

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Silver Comet Pampas Grass questions

What zones can Silver Comet Pampas Grass grow in?

Silver Comet Pampas Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Silver Comet Pampas Grass deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Silver Comet Pampas Grass, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Silver Comet Pampas Grass bloom?

Silver Comet 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 Silver Comet Pampas Grass need full sun?

Silver Comet Pampas Grass does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Silver Comet Pampas Grass drought tolerant?

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