Flower Library
Pampas Grass
Cortaderia selloana · Poaceae (Süßgräser)
Pampas grass is the epitome of natural boho decor: feather-light, silvery shimmering plumes that instantly make any room feel softer and calmer. It is almost always used dried, lasting for months or even years. At Fleura we look for densely filled, cleanly dried plumes without brown patches, because only those keep their beautiful shape for a long time.
- Season
- August – September – October – November – December
- Vase life
- 90–365 days
- Latin name
- Cortaderia selloana
- Colors
- Natural white, Cream, Beige, Soft pink, Champagne, Caramel (dyed)
Botanically, pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is a giant ornamental grass that grows into mighty clumps of two to three metres in the garden. For floristry, however, it is mainly the flower plumes appearing in late summer that matter: loose, feathery panicles that, once dried, have become the most popular natural decoration of recent years.
Within the range, plumes are sorted mostly by size and colour. The classic, natural plumes in cream and beige are the most in demand, alongside soft pink, champagne or caramel dyed versions as well as more compact dwarf varieties with smaller, denser tufts that work well for table decoration and bouquets.
In floristry, pampas grass is processed almost exclusively in dried form: as an XL plume solo in a floor vase, as an airy accent in dried bouquets with eucalyptus, gypsophila or dried flowers, or woven into wreaths and wall hangings. Cut fresh it sheds and discolours quickly, which is why it barely plays a role as a pure cut flower in a vase.
Stylistically, pampas grass suits natural, Scandinavian and Mediterranean interiors. We like to combine it monochrome in tone-on-tone arrangements or use single dyed plumes as a colour accent. Restraint is key: a few plumes already make a statement, while too many quickly make a room look dusty rather than elegant.
Care
- 01Dried pampas grass does not belong in water: it is arranged dry in the vase or bouquet and lasts for months that way.
- 02Protect it from draughts and open windows, otherwise the fine fronds shed and scatter.
- 03Do not place it in direct sunlight, or dyed plumes will fade and natural tones become blotchy.
- 04To refresh, fix lightly with hairspray; this reduces shedding and stabilises the plumes.
- 05Dust carefully: use cool hairdryer air or a gentle shake outdoors rather than damp wiping.
- 06Wear gloves when trimming the stems, as the plant's leaf edges are sharp and can cut the skin.
Frequently asked
- How long does dried pampas grass last?
- Kept dry, out of direct sun and away from draughts, the plumes easily last several months to over a year. Well-dried A1 quality, like the stock we buy at the Veiling Rhein-Maas, keeps its shape far longer than cheap material that sheds quickly.
- Is pampas grass toxic to cats and dogs?
- Pampas grass contains no toxic substances and is classed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The main risk is mechanical: stems and leaf edges are sharp with fine barbs and can injure the mouth or throat, while larger amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. In households with chewing pets it is therefore better to place the plumes out of reach.
- When is pampas grass in season?
- In the garden the plumes form in late summer from August and remain into winter. As dried decorative material, pampas grass is therefore most present from late summer to Christmas, though drying makes it available essentially all year round.
- Why does my pampas grass shed and how can I prevent it?
- Shedding is natural because the fine seed hairs loosen over time. Draughts, frequent handling and very dry heated air make it worse. A light mist of hairspray lays the hairs down and noticeably stabilises the plumes without clumping them.