Rosea Pampas Ornamental Grass – Cortaderia selloana ‘Rosea’

Description

Cortaderia selloana ‘Rosea’ is a decorative pampas grass recognised for its soft, rose-pink plumes that appear in late summer and persist into winter. It forms large, dense clumps of slender, arching green leaves, providing texture, structure, and movement throughout the year. The pink flower plumes catch the light beautifully, adding colour and contrast to ornamental or naturalistic planting schemes.

Growth & Habit

A robust, perennial grass forming bold, fountain-like clumps that typically reach around 2.0–2.5 m in height when in flower, and approximately 1.2–1.5 m in width. The tall plumes rise well above the foliage, creating strong vertical emphasis in garden designs.

Conditions

• Position: Full sun; tolerates exposed and coastal sites
• Soil: Moist but well-drained; performs well in loam, clay, or sandy soils
• Aspect: Prefers open, sunny conditions with good airflow
• Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK (H6–H7)

Seasonal Interest

Flowering occurs from late summer through autumn, with the rose-pink plumes gradually fading to soft cream tones. The dried flower heads remain decorative into winter, providing height and movement when most perennials have died back. The foliage offers evergreen to semi-evergreen cover depending on local climate.

Maintenance

Cut back dead foliage and flower stems in late winter or early spring before new shoots emerge. Wear gloves when handling, as leaf margins can be sharp. Avoid cutting too early in the season, as the retained foliage helps protect the crown from frost. Once established, plants are drought-tolerant and low maintenance.

Note: ‘Rosea’ offers a softer alternative to white pampas varieties, providing distinctive colour and texture for large borders or as a standalone specimen in sunny gardens.