For decades, pampas grass raised eyebrows, thanks to an urban myth about its association with swingers and those enjoying ‘the lifestyle’. The rumour proved surprisingly hard to shake – but it’s finally reclaiming its place in gardens, bouquets and wreaths.
Valued for its texture, drama and drought intolerance (a vital consideration in our gardens today with our changing climate), pampas grass is back in favour, appearing everywhere from wedding decor to contemporary borders.
Here’s the real story behind the plant, the swingers’ myth, its modern appeal – and a few things to consider if you’re wanting to grow, harvest and dry pampas grass in your own garden.
What is pampas grass and where is it from?
Pampas grass, Cortaderia selloana, is a 2–3m tall grass with beautiful feathery plumes native to the grasslands of Argentina. As a result, it’s a hardy, drought-tolerant plant. It’s easily identified, thanks to its feathery plumes and visual impact. It can create windbreaks and privacy borders.
Where did the urban legend about pampas grass and swingers come from?
Once upon a time, the appearance of pampas grass in a suburban front garden elicited much nudging and winking. During the 1970s and 1980s, a myth emerged that pampas grass was a signal that the householders were open to swinging – swapping sexual partners.
It’s hard to pinpoint where the myth originated. Perhaps it’s positioning as a privacy border or screen might play a role – perhaps we assumed that people using it in their gardens or homes had something to hide?!
Regardless of its origins, the myth has reportedly had a negative impact on sales of this plant, with it falling out of favour in recent years.
How to decorate with pampas grass
Modern gardeners and interior designers are now ignoring the sniggers. Pampas grass plumes adorn everything from floral wedding bouquets to Christmas wreaths. It pairs beautifully with other dried elements, such as palm leaves and bunny tails, and looks great in a bouquet with eucalyptus and soft, structural flowers like roses and orchids.
As is the case with all ornamental grasses, pampas grass adds texture and movement to garden borders, and look lovely among other flowers and plants.
Dried pampas grass looks particularly effective. Hang the grass upside down for about a month in a light, bright space, and it will become bleached and dried.
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How to harvest pampas grass
Gardeners recommend harvesting the grass just before it sheds its seeds, then hanging it upside down in a greenhouse or well-aired shed for about a month to dry before using it in a display.
Don't forget to wear gloves to remove pampas grass – its sharp-edged leaves shred skin.
Pampas grass watch-outs: what to be aware of if you’re growing it
Pampas grass can dominate a small garden and, left uncontrolled, outcompete other plants for light, water and nutrients. In summer, large patches of dry pampas grass are a fire risk. It’s considered an invasive species in Australia, South Africa and the US Pacific coast, and is banned in France, but not restricted in Britain.
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