Cortaderia selloana 'White Feather'

Cortaderia selloana 'White Feather': Giant Silky Plumes in Bridal White

Big, silky white plumes held up on stiff stems like the garden is waving a dozen flags of surrender. Spoiler: it's not surrendering. Those blades have sharp, toothed edges. FLUFFY ON TOP, FEISTY UNDERNEATH.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Cortaderia selloana 'White Feather'
• Common Name: Pampas Grass
• Height: 200–300 cm (6.5–10 ft) in flower, often at the lower end in colder gardens
• Spread: 100–200 cm (3–6.5 ft)
• Flowers: Large, upright, silky white plumes held on stiff stems well above the leaves
• Bloom Time: Late summer to fall (August to October)
• Foliage: Long, narrow, arching blue-green to green blades with sharp, finely toothed edges
• Features: Plumes good for drying

Where to Plant: Plant it as a single specimen with space and a clear dark backdrop, such as a hedge or wall, so the white plumes stand out, or use it as a tall seasonal screen. Keep it away from walkways because the leaf edges are sharp, and pick a sheltered, south-facing site in Toronto-area gardens. In colder parts of Ottawa and Montreal, grow it in a large container and move it somewhere cool and frost-free for winter.

Companion Plants: Helianthus 'Lemon Queen' grows 150 to 210 cm tall with pale yellow flowers from July to September, a good match for this big grass. Perovskia 'Blue Jean Baby' adds lavender spires from July to September in the middle of the bed. Iris 'Pink Attraction' blooms pink in June and often again in September and October. The white plumes then take over from August to October.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in deep, well-drained soil. It handles sand and clay if water doesn't sit in winter. Water regularly through the first season, then only in long dry spells. Leave the foliage standing over winter to shelter the crown, and add a thick mulch of leaves or straw around the base, especially the first year. Cold, wet soil is its biggest enemy. In early spring, cut the old growth back to about 15–30 cm (6–12 in). Wear gloves and long sleeves. Expect it to take a couple of seasons to reach full size. Divide in late spring if needed.

History: Pampas grass comes from the grasslands of southern South America, including Argentina, Brazil and Chile, and the female plants carry the larger, showier plumes. 'White Feather' is a selection grown for its clean white flower heads.

Final Thoughts: Deer resistant, drought tolerant once established, and the plumes dry beautifully. Plant it where people admire, not touch. GLOVES ON FOR THE HAIRCUT.