Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

native pampas grass

Native pampas grass, scientifically known as Cortaderia fulvida, is a striking asset for New Zealand gardens. Its tall, feathery plumes and graceful movement bring a touch of elegance and drama to landscapes, making it a sought-after choice for anyone looking for extraordinary ornamental grasses. Unlike the invasive South American pampas, Cortaderia fulvida is a genuine native, supporting local ecology while adding beauty to your outdoor spaces.

Cortaderia fulvida (Austroderia fulvida)

4.7 from 3 customers

Austroderia fulvida, Arundo fulvida, Toe Toe Toe Toe, Toe Toe

Cortaderia fulvida, commonly known as Toetoe, is a large and vigorous NZ native grass. It bears long and narrow, mid-green leaves which are held with a gentle arch. Stems rise above the foliage during summer and autumn to bear large and feathery, flower plumes as it grows to 1.5 m tall and 2 m wide. Cortaderia fulvida is commonly used for stabilising soils, riparian plantings, and revegetation projects but also suits being planted for shelter, screening, or as a habitat for wildlife.

cortaderia-fulvida-2
  • Suited to regions:
    All regions
  • Plant type:
    Grasses
  • Height:
    1.50 m
  • Spread:
    2.00 m
  • Flowering time:
    Summer, Autumn
  • Tolerances:
    Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wet, Wind
  • Garden uses:
    Ponds
  • Garden styles:
    Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
Cortaderia splendens plant.
Most Popular

Cortaderia splendens (Toetoe)

Cortaderia splendens, commonly known as Toetoe, is a large and vigorous NZ native grass. It bears long, narrow, mid-green leaves with a gentle arch...

helicotrichon-sempervirens-3
Most Popular

Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue Oatgrass)

Helictotrichon sempervirens, commonly known as Blue Oatgrass, is a lovely and popular ornamental grass featuring distinct, blue foliage. It grows as...

From$16.88
Carex comans green plants with dense, green foliage in a garden.
Most Popular

Carex comans Green

Carex comans Green is a NZ native, ornamental grass featuring slender and arching, lime green foliage. It grows as a tidy clump to about 40 cm tall...

From$13.43
Carex secta plants growing as a border garden in a commercial car park.
Most Popular

Carex secta (Swamp Sedge)

Carex secta, commonly known as Pukio, is a striking New Zealand native sedge admired for its large, tussock forming habit and golden green foliage...

From$15.53
Zebra grass (Miscanthus 'Zebrinus') leaves with cream and green stripes.
Most Popular

Miscanthus 'Zebrinus'

Miscanthus 'Zebrinus' (Zebra Grass) is a striking ornamental grass recognised for its bold horizontal yellow banding across arching green leaves...

From$21.53
Lomandra Nyalla grass with blue-green foliage in a border planting.
Most Popular

Lomandra Nyalla

Lomandra Nyalla is a hardy ornamental grass featuring delicate, lush green foliage and a graceful, arching form. Reaching approximately 80 cm in...

From$20.18
Cortaderia fulvida (Austroderia fulvida)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring Cortaderia or Grasses.

Search Cortaderia fulvida (Austroderia fulvida)

Why Choose Cortaderia fulvida?

Cortaderia fulvida thrives in a variety of conditions, from coastal areas to mountainous terrain, and is naturally adapted to New Zealand’s unique climate. Its foliage creates a soft, textured effect that’s ideal for borders, screening, and windbreaks. The golden flower heads appear in late summer and last well into autumn, providing long-lasting visual interest, especially in larger gardens or public spaces. This native pampas grass is appreciated not only for its ornamental qualities, but also for its resilience and low maintenance requirements.

Planting and Care

Cortaderia fulvida flourishes best in full sun and well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and requires little care beyond an annual tidy-up to remove any dead leaves. Its robust root system helps stabilise soil on slopes, making it perfect for erosion control as well as decorative uses.

When planting native pampas grass, allow enough space for its mature size—these grasses can reach up to two metres as they mature. Mulching during its first year will support strong growth, while regular watering ensures healthy establishment. Insect pests and diseases are seldom a problem, making Cortaderia fulvida a reliable, long-term choice.

Native Pampas Grass in Mixed Borders

Cortaderia fulvida pairs beautifully with other ornamental grasses and grass-like plants. For an eye-catching, textural landscape, consider grouping it with Cortaderia splendens (Toetoe), another showy native grass with silvery flower heads. It also looks stunning beside dark-foliaged choices like Ophiopogon japonicus nigrescens, which provides a striking contrast in foliage.

If you prefer softer, mounding forms, Liriope 'Just Right' and Carex 'Everest' (Japanese Sedge Plant) offer lush, green accents in garden beds. For a touch of golden colour among your grasses, Sisyrinchium californicum brings delicate yellow flowers, complementing the architectural style of native pampas grass. Alternatively, create dynamic groundcovers with Lomandra Breeze, another tough, low-maintenance option.

Supporting New Zealand’s Ecology

Choosing native pampas grass for your garden supports biodiversity and helps preserve New Zealand’s native plant heritage. By growing Cortaderia fulvida instead of invasive varieties, you encourage native insect life and birds, and contribute to ecological restoration. Its versatility means it can shine as a statement specimen or blend harmoniously in mixed plantings.

If you’re seeking an ornamental grass with local roots and enduring beauty, Cortaderia fulvida is a standout. Browse our selection and discover how native pampas grass can elevate your New Zealand garden.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

It’s easy to pick Ficus Black Knight and Rose 'Flower Carpet White', but garden variety is all about adding surprises like Hydrangea seemanii, Hibiscus 'Red Knight', and Michelia 'Fairy Blush'.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.9

429 Google reviews