Cortaderia - Pampass Grass

(Cortader'ia)

DESCRIPTION: Cortaderias are beautiful ornamental Grasses native to South America. C. Selloana variety Silver Comet grows 4 to 5 feet high and spreads 3 feet. It forms clumps of slender, arching, pale silvery green leaves with sharp edges. Its tiny, silver flowers are produced in thick, feathery plumes in late summer. C. Selloana variety Sunningdale Silver is another beauty that grows up to 7 feet high with a spread of 4 feet. This Grass forms clumps of thin, very sharp-edged, arching leaves that are pale olive green. The tiny, silvery cream flowers are produced in dense, silky plumes in late summer. These perennials aren't hardy in the North, but may be grown outdoors in the South. The plumes of flowers may be cut when they're fully developed and used for decorating purposes.

POTTING: These Grasses may be grown in well-drained soil that isn't too heavy or too light. If the soil is too poor and light, add decayed manure or compost. Protect young plants with a winter mulch.

PROPAGATION: These plants may be lifted and divided in the spring. Seeds may be sown in the spring in pots of light, sandy soil. The seedlings should be transplanted to small pots filled with equal parts of sandy loam and leaf mold.

VARIETIES: C. Selloana & var. Silver Comet, Sunningdale Silver, Rendatleri.

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