Cortaderia 'White Feather'

Cortaderia selloana 'White Feather': A Towering Plume of Summer Light

Striking and statuesque, Cortaderia 'White Feather' brings bold vertical presence to the summer and fall garden with its towering, snow-white plumes. Rising from a substantial clump of finely textured green foliage, the feathery blooms emerge in late summer and hold through fall, catching every breeze and late-season ray of sun. Graceful yet commanding, this pampas grass makes a stunning focal point in large spaces, balancing drama with softness and structure with movement.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 200–250 cm in bloom
• Spread: 120–150 cm, forming a full, upright clump
• Flower Colour: Bright white
• Flowering Period: Late summer into fall
• Foliage: Arching, narrow green blades with fine texture and upright habit
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: 'White Feather' makes a powerful statement in open borders, contemporary designs, or expansive meadows where scale and movement are welcome. The tall plumes add softness without sacrificing height, creating a natural backdrop for colourful perennials. Deer resistant and remarkably drought tolerant, this grass provides long-season texture, light-catching beauty, and strong winter interest in larger garden settings.

Companion Plants: Pair 'White Feather' with the purple-pink blooms of Echinacea purpurea, the large golden daisies of Rudbeckia 'Indian Summer', and the upright violet spikes of Salvia 'Caradonna'. This combination balances vertical structure with layered colour, attracting pollinators and holding strong visual appeal from midsummer through fall.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water during establishment; mature plants are drought tolerant. Cut back to 30 cm in early spring before new growth emerges. Use gloves when handling—leaf edges can be sharp. Allow space for mature size and best effect.

History: 'White Feather' is a selected cultivar of Cortaderia selloana, native to South America and long prized for its dramatic plumes and architectural presence. The bright white form adds a fresh, luminous twist to the classic pampas grass silhouette.

Final Thoughts: With its glowing plumes and strong form, 'White Feather' offers a soaring, elegant finish to the late-season garden. It’s a plant of presence and grace—bold enough to stand alone, yet soft enough to anchor a mixed planting in light and movement.