Cortaderia ricardii

Bring structural magnificence and graceful movement to open garden spaces with Cortaderia richardii, fondly known by its traditional Māori name, Toetoe Grass. A native of New Zealand, this prized ornamental variety is the elegant, refined cousin to standard pampas grass, appreciated by landscape designers for its distinctively weeping habit and vastly tidier growth form. It constructs an imposing, dense crown of long, arching, razor-edged evergreen leaves that look brilliant across all four seasons.The highlight of the Toetoe grass is its magnificent early display. Beginning in mid-summer, tall, rigid wands soar high above the foliage mound, carrying large, one-sided, shaggy plumes of silky, creamy-white flowers that drape gracefully like banners. This resilient grass is incredibly tough, it is entirely unbothered by fierce coastal winds, salty air, or brief dry spells once established. It is a stellar choice for defining property boundaries, anchoring the back of large perennial borders, or planting on exposed hillsides where its swaying plumes introduce beautiful auditory and visual movement. Highly adaptable, thrives in moist but well drained soils, exceptionally well suited to gritty, sandy, or coastal soils.