Pampas grass, Cortaderia selloana, is native to southern South America. If you have a good spot for one in your yard I recommend it as it will reward you with beautiful feathery plumes that sway in the breeze and catch the light of the sun. I love to watch the sparrows sit on the top of the plumes eating the seeds,seeming to enjoy the swaying as much as the good meal!
Pampas grass is a tough plant. It is drought tolerant once established and needs very little care. I do prune mine each spring but it isn't really necessary. The plumes make a great addition to a flower arrangement and the plant itself remains of interest all year long as it is evergreen. The leaves are very sharp and one needs to take care when pruning!
The plant can be very longed lived and can grow to heights of 9 plus feet and a diameter twice that! It is not a good idea to plant it at the entrance to a driveway or walkway. It is generally a perennial in zones 7-11. It is considered an invasive weed in some places such as CA.
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