Cortaderia selloana - Pampas Grass

Family:	Gramineae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	3
Width:	1.2
Synonyms:	C. argentea. (Nees.)Stapf. Gynerium argenteum.
Range:	S. America - temperate areas. Sometimes persists in Britain as a garden throw-out[17].

Cortaderia selloana (Pampas Grass) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 3m and a width of 1.2m . It has a hardness rating of 5and is vunerable to frost.
Pampas Grass will flower in February to April. the seeds ripen from April to May
The flowers from this plant are dioecious (each plant is either male or female, thus both genders need to be present to seed) and they are pollinated by Wind

Soil Information

Pampas Grass will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Pampas Grass prefers either dry or moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Pampas Grass should not be planted in shady areas.

Moist sandy soils[187] on river banks and mountains in Chile[139].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Planted in the lawn

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in most soils, preferring a damp well-drained sandy or loamy soil[1]. Inclined to be intolerant of cold clay soils[162]. Succeeds in dry soils. Prefers a sunny sheltered position[1, 162, 200]. Very tolerant of maritime exposure[K]. This species is hardy to about -20°c[187] if the winter is not excessively wet, though it is intolerant of prolonged periods of cold weather. Pampas grass is occasionally cultivated in some areas for its fibre which is used in making paper. Plants grow well as a focal point in a lawn and they also succeed in quite coarse grass[1, 233]. A number of named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[187, 200]. The leaves have saw-toothed edges, it is best to wear gloves when working with the plant[200]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[233]. Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required[200]. The inflorescence on the male plant is rather erect whilst it has wide spreading branches on the female[187].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow March/April in a greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks at 15°c. Keep the soil moist. The seed has a short viability[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in late spring[1]. It can be very difficult to obtain divisions from this plant because they tend to be very large and to be very close to the main clump. We have found it best to use a sharp spade to cut into the main clump and break off the divisions. These are then potted up in light shade in a cold frame and are planted out once they have rooted well and are in active growth.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

A fibre obtained from the leaves is used for making paper[46, 61, 74, 189]. The leaves are harvested in the autumn, they are cut into usable pieces and soaked for 24 hours in clear water. They are then cooked for 2 hours with lye and then beaten in a blender. The fibre makes a yellow paper[189].

• Fibre - Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
• Paper - Related to the entry for Fibre, these plants have been specifically mentioned for paper making.

Cultivars

'' - There are some named forms for this species, but these have been developed for their ornamental value and not for their other uses. Unless you particularly require the special characteristics of any of these cultivars, we would generally recommend that you grow the natural species for its useful properties. We have, therefore, not listed the cultivars in this database[K].

References

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.