Cortaderia selloana ‘Evita’

Description

Cortaderia selloana ‘Evita’ is a stunning dwarf pampas grass that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. Known for its dense, compact clump-forming growth and silvery-yellow plumes, this hardy perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Follow this planting and care guide to ensure your Cortaderia selloana ‘Evita’ flourishes in your garden.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Cortaderia selloana ‘Evita’ is during the spring, once the soil has warmed up. Planting in spring allows the grass to establish strong roots before the blooming season, ensuring a healthy and vibrant plant.
• Autumn: If you prefer, you can also plant your Cortaderia in early autumn. This gives the plant time to settle in before the colder months, ensuring better growth in the following spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Cortaderia selloana ‘Evita’ thrives in full sun. Choose a spot in your garden where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal growth. Sunlight is essential for the production of its stunning plumes.
• Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained for your Cortaderia selloana ‘Evita’. It does not tolerate waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Incorporate organic matter like compost to improve soil fertility and drainage.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: When planting your Cortaderia, dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the root ball. This will provide ample space for the roots to spread out and grow.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or other organic matter into the soil to enrich its texture and enhance drainage. The soil should be fertile and slightly acidic for the best growth of your Cortaderia selloana ‘Evita’.
3. Planting: Place your Cortaderia into the hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole and gently firm the soil to remove any air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water the plant thoroughly after planting to settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Make sure the area drains well to prevent standing water, which can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Cortaderia selloana ‘Evita’ is drought-tolerant. Water it during dry spells, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between sessions. Overwatering can lead to root issues, so it’s essential to avoid excess moisture.
• Dormant Season: During the dormant season, reduce watering significantly. Only water your Cortaderia if the soil becomes extremely dry, as the plant needs minimal moisture when dormant.

Feeding

• Spring: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to give your Cortaderia selloana ‘Evita’ a strong start to the growing season. This will promote healthy growth and vibrant plumes throughout the summer.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can help encourage continued growth and ensure that your Cortaderia maintains its vigour through the blooming season.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Regularly remove dead or spent flower heads to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming untidy. This practice also helps to maintain the plant’s compact form.
• Autumn Pruning: After the blooming season ends in autumn, trim the plant back to ground level to prepare it for the winter. This will help keep your Cortaderia healthy and ready to grow again in the spring.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your Cortaderia in spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulch such as bark chips or compost for the best results.
• Winter: In colder months, mulching helps protect the roots of your Cortaderia selloana ‘Evita’ from freezing temperatures. Apply a thicker layer of mulch to provide extra insulation.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: While Cortaderia selloana ‘Evita’ has a compact growth habit, the tall plumes can sometimes be top-heavy, especially during windy weather. If you live in a particularly exposed area, consider staking the plant to provide extra support.

Final Tips

Cortaderia selloana ‘Evita’ is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that adds a touch of elegance to any garden. By planting it in full sun, well-drained soil, and providing regular care, this Cortaderia will reward you with beautiful silvery-yellow plumes from late summer through to autumn. Incorporate this graceful, compact pampas grass into your garden for a striking display that brings beauty to your outdoor space year after year!