A selection of seed raised varieties, but let’s focus on the species of Cortaderia selloana (Pampas Grass) for today’s marmite #oneadayplant . For the purpose of consistency, the flower to the bottom right of the image is how most Pampas Grasses will look. A creamy-white/ivory plume of flower that may be radially spread evenly around the stem or have a noticeable lean in one direction. The dusky coloured flowers in the images come from seedlings of C. selloana ‘Rosea’ and similar pinky-purple flowered forms. . While these plants have become difficult to eradicate, invasive pests in some parts of the world, they are more commonly thought of as statuesque garden sentinels in the UK. Generally only one plant is purchased for domestic gardens, but en masse they are stunningly beautiful if you can afford the space. . Some time ago (and I’m sure I remember it being in a ‘The Comic Strip Presents’ tv show) Pampas grass became known, in the UK at least, as a symbol used in the front garden of houses owned by Swingers to advertise their interests in partner swapping. Very curious, this as typically they are found in the front gardens of little old lady’s houses, so there may be something that they all know, that we don’t. Who knows? I’d suggest that this story, while amusing is rubbish and I think it isn’t as commonly heard as it was. I know that in the 90’s this killed the sale of Pampas grasses dead. I would have planted one just to provoke reaction! . Now, I’m seeing them used more creatively than in a little circular border in a small front lawn. When grown well they are absolute beauties. . Maintenance is a dangerous game. Wear strong gauntlets as the leaves are very sharp. Prune them back to a dense ball of foliage every two or three years to get fresh growth and good flowering. . Best if you can chose your plant when it is in flower to ensure the plume meets with your desires. There are dwarf forms available worth growing too. . I have once seen it grown as an informal hedge. Great idea. . #cortaderia #cortaderiaselloana #pampasgrass #grass #garden #gardening #plantingdesign #plantswithstories #flowers #plumes #fiori #fleurs #bloemmen #blummen (at Crowborough, East Sussex) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGZlKvUAI4J/?igshid=yog3obu4ecd3
