Pampas grass | Cortaderia selloana 'White Plume'

Cortaderia selloana 'White Plume' is the quintessential pampas grass — and there is a very good reason it has been a garden classic for decades. Those enormous, pure white, silvery-cream plumes on tall arching stems are one of the most dramatic and recognisable sights in a late summer garden. Bold, structural, and genuinely impressive, this is a plant that creates genuine impact.

'White Plume' produces the classic pampas grass silhouette: a wide, arching mound of long, narrow silver-green blades topped by tall stems carrying huge, silky, pure white to creamy feathery plumes. The plumes can reach 30 to 40 cm in length and catch light in a way that makes them glow almost luminously in late afternoon sun. The effect is both wild and elegant — architectural enough to anchor a large border, naturalistic enough to work in meadow-inspired schemes. It has that rare quality of looking equally good in a formal garden setting and a relaxed, informal one.

Full-grown 'White Plume' is a large plant, reaching 1.5 to 2 m with plumes from its third or fourth year onward. Supplied at 20 cm in a 9 cm pot, it is a young plant ready to establish and grow. Plant where it has space to express itself — at the back of a large border, as an island specimen, or in a very large container. The foliage mound will widen to 1 to 1.5 m and should not be planted where it will be cramped.

Full sun and open aspect are non-negotiable for great plume production. Plant in the sunniest available spot with good air circulation. 'White Plume' tolerates wind and exposed positions and actually prefers them — closed, humid spots can cause the centre of the clump to rot over time. Well-drained soil is important; it handles drought far better than waterlogging.

The annual maintenance task is cutting back old foliage in late winter before new growth starts. Wear thick gloves — the leaf blades are sharp along the margins. The plumes dry beautifully and are one of the most popular materials for dried indoor arrangements, so harvest them before the weather turns them soggy. Water young plants regularly while establishing. Feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser. Mature plants are very drought tolerant and largely self-sufficient.

Some plants earn their status the hard way, through decades of consistent performance in gardens across the UK. Cortaderia 'White Plume' is one of them. The sight of those enormous silvery-white plumes swaying in a late summer breeze is genuinely arresting, and the structural presence of the plant even outside of plume season adds real backbone to large gardens. It is a classic because it is, simply, excellent.

• The Classic Look: Pure white, feathery plumes are one of the most iconic garden sights.
• Structural Year-Round: The arching silver-green foliage adds form to the garden even without plumes.
• Brilliant for Drying: Harvest plumes for long-lasting dried indoor arrangements.
• Very Tough Once Established: Drought tolerant, wind tolerant, and long-lived.
• Impactful Specimen Plant: Works as a garden focal point or back-of-border anchor.

If you want structure, drama, and a garden moment that people remember, Cortaderia selloana 'White Plume' delivers all three. Give it space, give it sun, and give it a few seasons to build up to its full, spectacular potential.

Size at dispatch: 20 cm in height, and comes in a 9 cm pot
Care level: Medium
Pet safety: No, toxic to pets