Cortaderia selloana
Light: Full sun; tolerates light afternoon shade in Phoenix, though flowering may decrease.
Water: Water deeply during establishment. Once established, allow soil to dry between deep waterings; provide supplemental water during prolonged Phoenix summer heat for good appearance and flowering.
Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, loamy, and clay soils, including alkaline soils, provided drainage is adequate.
Mature size: Foliage typically 6–8 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide; flower stalks reach 8–12 feet. Dwarf cultivars remain smaller.
Bloom: Late summer through fall; dried plumes often persist into winter.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen to semi-evergreen in Phoenix; cold snaps and older growth can cause winter browning.
Growth rate: Fast with adequate water and warmth.