The large white plumes of pampas grass are hard to miss. And so, usually, is the plant itself. Cortaderia can easily develop into a substantial clump and therefore needs space. Tiny Pampa does exactly the opposite. At around 60 centimetres including its plumes, this Cortaderia remains remarkably compact while retaining the characteristic appearance that makes pampas grass so distinctive. It is precisely this combination that makes Tiny Pampa a plant Van Vliet New Plants is proud of.

When you first see Tiny Pampa, it's easy to see what makes this cultivar special. Everything you expect from a Cortaderia is there: narrow arching foliage, a dense clump and, most importantly, the pale plumes rising above the plant. Only its size does not match the traditional image of pampas grass.

And that is exactly its strength.

Where many Cortaderias can easily reach one and a half to two metres in height, Tiny Pampa remains remarkably low at around 60 centimetres. In effect, it is a miniature version of the familiar pampas grass.

Plenty of flowers in very little space
Staying small, however, is not enough to make a good ornamental grass. The balance between the plant and its flowers has to be right. Tiny Pampa combines its compact habit with remarkably abundant flowering. Even young plants can already produce numerous plumes.

As a result, it does not remain merely a compact clump of foliage. It develops the character for which Cortaderia is valued. The plumes rise clearly above the leaves and create volume without compromising the plant’s compact habit.

This also considerably broadens its potential uses. Traditional pampas grass needs a position where it has room to develop. Tiny Pampa can be used much more easily in smaller borders and urban gardens, as well as in containers on patios and balconies.

A difference you can see immediately
For Peter Kroes of Van Vliet New Plants, Tiny Pampa is an example of an introduction whose distinguishing feature is immediately apparent. Of the large numbers of new plants he evaluates, only a handful truly stand out at first sight.
‘Maybe one in 250,’ Kroes says. ‘That’s when you think: wham, this is it.’

Tiny Pampa was one of those plants. Not because Cortaderia itself is new, but because a very familiar plant suddenly does something you would not expect.

Its compact growth also offers advantages further along the supply chain. Smaller plants are easier to handle, display and transport. Its size is therefore not only an ornamental characteristic, but also a practical advantage for growers and the trade.

Ultimately, however, it starts with what is standing in the nursery: a Cortaderia barely 60 centimetres tall, covered in plumes and immediately recognisable as pampas grass.

Just a whole lot smaller.

Growers’ Pride
Cortaderia selloana ‘Day1’ (PBR) Tiny Pampa
Grower/breeder: Kwekerij Daylight VOF
Agent: Van Vliet New Plants
Height: approximately 60 cm including plumes
Flowering: abundant flowering, even on young plants
Uses: borders, small gardens, patios, balconies and containers
Distinctive feature: the appearance of classic pampas grass in an exceptionally compact plant