Cortaderia richardii (Endl.) Zotov

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toe toe

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Other common names

plumed tussock

Synonyms

Cortaderia fulvida misapplied
Cortaderia toe toe
Arundo richardii

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Grass Like
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An evergreen grass forming a dense clump of narrow, arching, leathery leaves, and long-lasting plume-like silvery-white inflorescences to 60cm long

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

2.5-4 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
2.5-4 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Cortaderia are robust evergreen grasses forming large, compact tufts of narrowly linear, rough-edged leaves, with erect stems bearing dense silvery or pink-tinged flower panicles which are excellent for drying
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
New Zealand

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 13-18°C (55-64°F) in spring or propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Architectural
  • Coastal
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut and comb out the previous year's stems and foliage in late winter or early spring taking care to avoid the sharp leaf margins

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free