High Country Gardens
Dwarf Pampas Grass
Best low-maintenance ornamental grass for busy gardeners seeking deer-resistant landscape drama.
Enhance your landscape with the striking Dwarf Pampas Grass, a non-seed producing ornamental grass that brings elegance to any garden. This variety showcases large, fluffy, pure-white plumes that bloom vibrantly in mid to late summer. Originating from Argentina, it's a tough, low-maintenance perennial, reaching up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Ideal for full sun, it adapts to various soil types and is safe for planting in many regions. Use it as a stunning specimen or in linear beds for a dramatic effect.
$12.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
864
/ 3268
#864 in Landscaping & Garden Plants
Price vs Category Average
-53%
Below average
Variety
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila'
/ Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila'
Who it's for
- Water-conscious homeowners looking for low-maintenance xeriscaping options
- Small-space gardeners seeking dramatic texture without the massive footprint
- Designers wanting winter-long visual interest in dormant landscapes
Who should skip it
- Residents in harsh climates needing cold-hardy, permanent garden fixtures
- Gardeners avoiding high-maintenance plants with sharp, hazardous foliage
- Meticulous landscapers who prefer to avoid unwanted volunteer seedlings
Performance breakdown
Drought Tolerance
Thrives with minimal water once established in the landscape.
Invasive Risk
Sterile, non-seed producing variety prevents unwanted garden spread.
Pest Resistance
Reliably deters deer and rabbits from grazing on foliage.
Visual Impact
Striking white plumes provide dramatic height and texture.
Maintenance Effort
Low-maintenance perennial requiring minimal seasonal upkeep for peak health.
Environmental Adaptability
Versatile plant that tolerates a wide range of soil conditions.
Key Specs
Variety
Cortaderia selloana 'Pumila'
Mature Height
36-72 inches
Mature Spread
36-48 inches wide
Growing Zones
6-10
Bloom Time
Mid to late summer
Ships As
Potted Plant
Growth Habit
Ornamental Grass
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Features
- Showy pure-white plumes bloom mid-summer
- Sterile and non-seed producing
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Low water requirements
- Adaptable to various soil types
- Thrives in full sun
- Long bloom time
- Perennial life cycle
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of the Dwarf Pampas Grass upon arrival, noting the plants are healthy, robust, and well packaged. The primary theme is reliability, as the grass establishes quickly and thrives easily, even in challenging climates. Gardeners appreciate the manageable dwarf size, confirming it delivers significant visual impact without the aggressive spread of traditional pampas varieties. This ease of establishment and dependable growth makes it a highly recommended ornamental grass.
Know before you buy
No. Because this variety is sterile and non-seed producing, it will not self-sow or become invasive in your landscape.
Since this grass reaches a mature spread of up to 4 feet, you should space them at least 4 feet apart if you want to see the individual form of each plant. If you are planting them for a dense, linear hedge, you can space them slightly closer.
Once established, this plant is quite drought-tolerant and has low water requirements. It performs best in well-drained soil and should only need occasional watering during extended dry spells.
Yes, this variety is generally avoided by deer and rabbits due to its coarse texture and sharp-edged blades. While no plant is 100% immune to hungry wildlife, it is a reliable choice for gardens prone to animal browsing.
The plumes provide visual interest throughout the summer and into the fall. In late winter or early spring, you should cut the foliage back to about 6 to 12 inches above the ground to make room for fresh new growth.
While it is primarily a landscape plant, it can be grown in a very large, heavy-duty container. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage and be aware that it will require more frequent watering than it would if planted directly in the garden.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$13