Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana 'Monrin' SUN STRIPE)
Variegated Pampas grass Cortaderia selloana 'Monrin' SUN STRIPE offers showy, white plumes in Zones 8-10. Requires full sun and reaches 4-5 ft tall.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Cortaderia selloana ‘Monrin’ SUN STRIPE, commonly known as variegated Pampas grass, provides dramatic vertical interest through its finely striped foliage and impressive plumes. This cultivar is celebrated for maintaining a smaller stature than its relatives while still delivering the signature feathery, silvery-white flower heads in late summer and fall. It is a tough, enduring ornamental grass suited for large landscape applications where strong texture and high visual impact are desired.
This cultivar is distinguished by its green leaves featuring prominent longitudinal yellow striping, making it attractive even when not in bloom. Growing best in full sun and tolerant of dry conditions once established, Cortaderia selloana ‘Monrin’ SUN STRIPE is generally low fuss once sited correctly. Gardeners should note that this is a female variety, contributing to its superior bloom quality, but also requiring awareness regarding its potential for aggressive self-seeding in milder climates.
The architectural presence of Pampas grass makes it excellent as a specimen plant or for use as a natural screen in the landscape. While it offers reliable performance in warmer regions (USDA Zones 8-10), gardeners in colder zones may need to consider container culture and winter protection to ensure survival of this striking grass.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Poaceae
- Plant Type: Ornamental grass
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 4-5 ft
- Spread: 2-3 ft
- Bloom Time: August to February
- Bloom Description: Silver white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Plant Cortaderia selloana ‘Monrin’ SUN STRIPE during the growing season in well-drained soil, ensuring it receives consistent sunlight. This plant prefers dry to medium moisture levels, reflecting its drought tolerance once its root system is mature. Poorly drained, heavy soils should be avoided to prevent root issues over time.
Maintenance is moderate, focusing primarily on spring cleanup. Cut the entire foliage mass back to the ground in late winter before new growth begins. This pruning encourages fresh, healthy growth and keeps the clump looking tidy for the season ahead. Clumps of this Pampas grass can be divided in late winter or early spring if specimens become too large or need relocating.
A major consideration for growing Cortaderia selloana ‘Monrin’ SUN STRIPE relates to its reproductive strategy. As a female plant, it can self-seed profusely, leading to naturalization that may displace native species in warmer regions like California and Hawaii, where planting is no longer advised. In areas outside its ideal zones, such as USDA Zone 6, planting in large containers for overwintering indoors is the recommended approach. Propagation should always be done by division, as this variegated cultivar will not breed true from seed.
Landscape Uses
As a large ornamental grass, Cortaderia selloana ‘Monrin’ SUN STRIPE is magnificent when utilized as a bold specimen that anchors a perennial border or acts as a transitional screen between garden areas. Its height (4-5 ft) and texture make it an excellent background plant, providing contrast against finer foliage or solid masses of color.
The impressive plumes are highly valued for their use in dried arrangements, offering everlasting texture for indoor decor, which can be harvested when the plumes are fully mature. Where the climate is marginal, growing this grass in large containers, such as whiskey barrels, provides flexibility, allowing the gardener to move the Cortaderia indoors or into a protected area for the winter. It thrives in spaces where full sun is guaranteed and requires minimal supplemental watering once established.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
- Good Dried
Noteworthy Characteristics
Cortaderia selloana, commonly called pampas grass, is native to Brazil, Argentina and Chile and was widely planted during the Victorian era. This tough, large grass forms dense clumps with arching, finely serrated leaves, topped by huge, feathery, silvery white plumes in the fall. The cultivar ‘Monvin’, sold as SUN STRIPE, is a variegated female form distinguished by green leaves with longitudinal yellow striping, a slightly reduced size of 4-5 ft tall, and superior inflorescences compared to the male species plants.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Black Walnut
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
The most significant concern with Cortaderia selloana ‘Monrin’ SUN STRIPE involves its invasive potential; female plants produce abundant seed and can naturalize aggressively in warmer winter climates, displacing valuable local flora. Furthermore, handle with care, as the leaf blades are extremely sharp and can easily cut human skin, with mature blades potentially reaching 40 inches in length. While generally free from serious insect or disease issues, prudent cultural management requires yearly pruning and spatial awareness to mitigate invasiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Pampas grass suitable for?
Cortaderia selloana ‘Monrin’ SUN STRIPE thrives best in USDA Zones 8 through 10.
How large does Cortaderia selloana ‘Monrin’ SUN STRIPE grow?
This variegated cultivar typically reaches a height between 4 and 5 feet, with a spread of 2 to 3 feet at maturity.
What sun exposure does Pampas grass need?
This ornamental grass requires full sun exposure for optimal performance and abundant plume production.
When does Cortaderia selloana ‘Monrin’ SUN STRIPE bloom?
The distinctive feathery plumes appear from August through February, displaying a beautiful silvery white color.
Conclusion
The variegated foliage and massive late-season plumes secure the status of Cortaderia selloana ‘Monrin’ SUN STRIPE as a remarkable presence in the garden, offering excellent texture and screen capabilities. Ensure your planting site falls within USDA Zones 8-10 for reliable winter survival, and plan for yearly late-winter clean-up to showcase this stunning Pampas grass effectively.
Companion Planting
Due to its substantial size and structural nature, Cortaderia selloana ‘Monrin’ SUN STRIPE pairs well with lower-growing, contrasting perennials that appreciate similar dry, sunny conditions. Consider anchoring drifts of Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ near the base, as their mounding habit and late flowers offer a stable color foundation beneath the arching leaves. Additionally, drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs like Lavender (Lavandula) or Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) complement the grass’s sculptural form while sharing similar low-water needs once established.
Propagation Tips
Since Cortaderia selloana ‘Monrin’ SUN STRIPE is a variegated female cultivar, it will not breed true from seed, making vegetative propagation essential. The only reliable method for maintaining the distinct yellow striping is through division. Perform this task in late winter or very early spring just before new growth emerges. Dig out the entire clump, carefully dividing the dense root mass into smaller sections, ensuring each new piece has adequate roots and growing points. Replant immediately at the same depth as the original specimen.
