Therefore, it is important that we do our part by not planting pampas grass in our gardens, but instead plant native plants that are comparably beautiful and provide the same utility. Giant wildrye is a grass that, like pampas grass, forms dense stands in a variety of different soils. Leaves are bluish-green, their upper surfaces glabrous at base and their lower surfaces glabrous or hair toward the collar. Please refer to the PNW Weed Management Handbook, or contact your county noxious weed coordinator. 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. If so, we would value your contribution. Sign up for our newsletter. Female plants need to be pollinated by hermaphroditic plants to produce seed. Other Common Names: Uruguayan pampas grass In America, in particularly California and Hawaii, pampas grass is known as an invasive plant because it self-seeds and spreads to then form dense colonies. Mexican feather grass "It's a case of the bride might always be right but she needs to know there are alternatives that are ecologically sustainable.". Introduced to Santa Barbara, California in 1848 by nursery operators, pampas grass has spread all over the state, threatening native plants and the . The tag #pampasgrass has been used on Instagram more than 300,000 times. Due to its large size, however, this isnt really practical. Due to the fact that pampas grass can live over a decade, it has become a favorable plant for people to grow in their gardens. Some of the most common noxious weeds that have been found for sale online are the Victorian State prohibited weeds, the highest category of noxious weeds. Pampas grass is ideal for camouflaging things like HVAC units or undesirable views. It is illegal to sell in parts of New South Wales that include greater Sydney and the Hunter region but interior obsessives and those desperate to decorate wedding venues in line with their pinned inspo have found a way to get their hands on it regardless. This work, Victorian Resources Online, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence. Once a weed is introduced into a new area, it quickly spreads and infests the area, threatening agriculture, the environment and social activities such as boating, swimming and fishing. Learn more about our use of cookies: Cookie Policy, Pampas Grass, One of 2020s Biggest Interior Trends, Is Actually Illegal, 5 Spots to See Vivid Views Without the Crowds (or Having to Pay for a $$ Dinner or Drink). Pampas grass plants can either be male or female, and the female has the showiest plumes. Pampas grass leaves are razor-sharp. Pampas Grass (Cortaderia) is an ornamental grass and is very popular and on trend amongst interior lovers, decorators, wedding florists, and us! birds). Weed class: C A hard pruning to the ground in late winter helps keep the plant under control and will help encourage healthy growth for next season. This large, perennial weed is popular because of its feathery, plume-like shape. But pampas grass, though widely available in florists worldwide, is actually, in fact, an invasive noxious weed that threatens native Australian species, harbours vermin and presents a huge fire risk. Its actually a very fast grower and can become quite large, anywhere from 5 and 10 feet (1.5-3 m.) high and wide, and even invasive. Pampas grass can invade a wide variety of habitats, including pastures, roadsides, shrublands road-cuts, logged forests, coastal shrub and grasslands (including serpentine soils), coastal sand dunes, bluffs, marshes and wetlands, inland riparian areas, and shrublands. It is believed to be the first time the plant has been seized in NSW since it was introduced to the country in the mid-1990s. Our site uses cookies. It is a highly invasive plant, with each flower head producing up to 100,000 seeds that can spread to a 25-kilometre radius, and is banned from sale in the Greater Sydney, Hunter, south-east and north coast regions of NSW. The following table provides information on the invasiveness of Pampas grass. Avoid planting pampas grass where you do not want views blocked (too close to your home) or where it could spread into a neighbor's property. CONTENTS 1 Why is pampas grass bad? Instead of planting pampas grassin ornamental plantings, use non-invasive alternatives, such as Calamagrostis acutiflora Karl Foerster or Stipa gigantean, giant needle grass. We love seeing. This is due to over 100,000 seeds in its flowering heads that can spread up to 25kms from light winds. And remember to keep the best stems for arranging in on-trend displays . It looks great paired with neutral dried hydrangea and luxury preserved roses. New and used Pampas Grass for sale in Strath Creek, Victoria, Australia on Facebook Marketplace. Pampas grass can be grown by seed or you can opt to buy a plant. In Victoria, it is illegal to buy, sell, import, transport, or display for sale any noxious weeds that are declared under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. Canberra coach Ricky Stuart slams NRL, RLPA following further concussion controversy, Two women from opposite sides of Australia linked by one special dress, Hipsters are paying $50 for cotton floral arrangements, Why couples are choosing to cut the wedding cheese over cake, 'How dare they': Possum Magic author hits out at 'ridiculous' Roald Dahl edits, 'Dastardly and heinous crime': Philippines governor killed at home by unknown gunmen, Vanuatu hit by two cyclones and twin earthquakes in two days, Emily was studying law when she had to go to court. Do you have additional information about this plant that will improve the quality of the assessment? For larger plants, a Pulaski, mattock or shovel are the safest and most effective tools for removing established clumps. State of Victoria (Agriculture Victoria) 1996 - document.write(thisYear). Habitat Conservation Planning Branch That's because it is perfect for a warmer climateit thrives in hot, sunny conditions. State of Victoria (Agriculture Victoria) 1996 - document.write(thisYear). Mesquite Mesquite Mesquite is a State prohibited weed. Even weeds kept in a backyard can be easily spread by wind carrying seeds or by plant parts being picked up and transported by animals (e.g. Pink pampas grass ( Cortaderia jubata) is up to 4.5 m tall when in flower. However, you may see dyed colors like bright tones or gray on artificial or dried Pampas grass. Access to higher quality images can also be provided on request. Dont be so quick to plant it simply because it looks good. Plants come in shades of white, brown, and pink. It sprouts during spring and produces bulbs within only its first year of being planted. ANSWER: Pampas grass is not illegal in the United States, though it is illegal in Australia. However he said it could be difficult to dissuade a bride who had a certain aesthetic in mind. Pampas Grass is illegal in parts of the US because it can be harmful to other plants and animals, as well as humans. Native to: Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay As reported by The Latch, you do have options if youve just got to have the look of pampas grass to decorate a room or for an upcoming event. Who doesnt love Pampas Grass? Pampas grass (Cortaderia) is an attractive ornamental grass that is popular in many landscapes. Try out this native plant alternative in your garden today! Before burning, clear away any dead leaves or other debris from around the plant. Pulling or hand-grubbing seedlings can provide effective control. Most people would be quite familiar with the tall, fluffy, neutral looking stems by now. Flower Description. Find great deals and sell your items for free. In the meantime, you can find us scrolling through Pinterest and pinning the most dreamy. See our Written Findings for pampas grassCortaderia selloana, Thurston County NWCBFact Sheeton pampas grass, Whatcom County NWCB Fact Sheeton pampas grass, Pampasgrass and jubatagrass information from the University of California WEED Research and information Center, 1111 Washington Street SE But unlike some trends, growing pampas grass is a landscape choice that's here to stay. This is usually performed in late winter or early spring. An individual pampas grass stand can produce millions of seeds annually that travel several miles, and because these grasses are very tolerant of intense sunlight, drought, and frost, they are very efficient at establishing in many habitat types. It should also be pruned each year to the ground. Pampas grass is a quickly growing grass that forms massive clumps along roadsides, steep cliffs, river banks, and open areas that have been disturbed by human activities or natural disturbances. If you are wanting to know where to buy pampas grass, how to decorate with pampas grass, or how to look after it, then keep reading our guide to pampas grass decor. Either acidic or neutral pH works well for pampas grass. You can protect the seeds from birds by covering them with netting. New and used Pampas Grass for sale in Learmonth, Victoria, Australia on Facebook Marketplace. The following table provides information on the invasiveness of Pampas grass. It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. Flower arrangers and crafters love the silvery, plume-like flowers fresh and dried. Planted in the spring, these large grasses are very fast growers and can quickly become invasive. Another plus side to growing pampas grass is its tolerance of drought, wind, and salt sprayswhich is why you commonly see the plant along coastal regions. This is usually performed in late winter or early spring. 25 Deer-Resistant Plants Your Garden Needs, Everything You Need To Know About Buttercups, How To Grow And Care For Curcuma (Turmeric), How To Grow And Care For Panicle Hydrangeas, Flower (Plume) Color: white, yellow, and pink. Loosen the soil and sow seeds directly. Bushes That Grow In Zone 4: Growing Shrubs In Zone 4 Gardens, Potted Pampas Grass Care: How To Grow Pampas Grass In Containers, Pruning Pampas Grass: When And How To Prune Pampas Grass Plants, Growing Hostas In Colorado And The Southwest US, What Causes Lots Of Flowers And No Tomatoes On Tomato Plants, Urn Plant Care: How To Grow Urn Plant Houseplants, Seed Ball Recipe How To Make Seed Balls With Kids, Growing Plumeria How To Care For Plumeria, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Dig a hole just bigger than the new plant, and water moderately after planting. Olympia, WA 98504-2560, Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board. Why is pampas illegal? However, with appropriate measures taken (for clumps well away from homes and buildings), you can also burn the foliage down to the green growth without any harm to the plant. Dried pampas grass has become an increasingly popular ornamental grass as it is a highly sought after statement piece in hundreds of homes, not only throughout Australia but all across the world. Soil disturbance that creates bare ground can promote invasion, so it is important to minimize disturbance or provide competition to seedlings. We hear rumours you can be slapped with a fine for $60,000 but we don't know for sure.". What is traditionally considered a noxious weed to some, is now considered a luxury statement piece that is a must have in homes to others. I love the way it looks and wanted to plant some in my garden. Click on the link to go to the feedback form. State prohibited weeds water hyacinth and salvinia are two of the worlds worst water weeds and are sometimes sold online as ornamental aquatic or water plants. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7084911/Instagram-brides-blamed-spreading-illegal-pampas-grass.html, http://scentimentflowers.com.au/new-blog/2020/1/26/why-you-should-say-no-to-pampas-grass-1, https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/PampasGrass, Filed Under: General Gardening Tagged With: growing pampas grass, pampas grass, pampas grass decorating, pampas grass plume, Your email address will not be published. Pampas grass, though widely available in florists worldwide, is actually an invasive noxious weed that threatens native Australian species, harbours vermin and presents a huge fire risk. This page was last updated on document.write(dateModified). "These certificates aren't issued by the Department of Primary Industries and we can't prove that a particular stalk refers to a particular certificate. Pampas grass is illegal only in certain parts of Australia such as specific regions of NSW including Greater Sydney, South East and the North East Coast regions. We have a great how to dry flowers guide if you are wanting to have a go at drying your own. Please click here to see a county level distribution map of Pampas grass in Washington. In warmer climates, pampas grass can be burned any time of year. It has spread from these areas and become a major weed in urban areas and coastal . This plant is also highly flammable, so do not plant near a grill or any other fire hazard. Pampas grass does, however, have sharp leaves that can scratch or cut a dog's sensitive skin, so it is not advisable for owners to allow their dogs to access large patches of the plant. Required fields are marked *. When working with pampas grass, it is important to protect yourself when handling the plants. QUESTION: Why is Pampas grass illegal? Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Plants spread by seed. Spray each flowering head lightly with hairspray, avoid touching and moving them too much, and keep them away from moisture and direct sunlight. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Our gardening obsessed editors and writers choose every product we review. One of todays most coveted interior decor items does well to bring about a whimsical, aesthetic touch of nature to any modern home with its natural beige or pink hue and feature-like foliage. The Instagram-friendly plant has become one of the latest must-have home and garden accessories. Pumila Yes, you can enjoy the beauty and drama of pampas grass even if you don't have room for a ten-foot plant. Sarah J. Can the dogs of Chernobyl teach us new tricks when it comes to our own survival? Leaves form a rounded tussock. The tall, fluffy grass is a highly sought after decor piece in most homes. It is a highly invasive plant, with each flower head producing up to 100,000 seeds that can spread to a 25-kilometre radius, and is banned from sale in the Greater Sydney, Hunter, New South Wales, South Australia and Queensland regions. Every once in a while, clumps of pampas grass form smaller clumps off to the side. : Pampas grass is a nonnative species used in ornamental plantings in Washington and is a known invasive species in California and is escaped in Oregon. We would love to see dried pampas grass styled and on display in your home or even at your wedding! King Charles Is a Slept-On Climate Activist, But Could He Actually Make a Difference? See their detail pages and Written Findings for more information. If the tussock or crown of the plant is overgrown, the middle of the plant can get too full and start to rot. Pampas grass is an invasive plant that has the potential to spread faster than wildfire. Due to the size of this grass, it's not hard to miss. Pampas grass is illegal only in certain parts of Australia such as specific regions of NSW including Greater Sydney, South East and the North East Coast regions. Before growing pampas grass, be sure to put it somewhere in the landscape where it has plenty of room to grow, especially when planting more than one. * What are some alternatives to pampas grass? Plant invasiveness is determined by evaluating a plants biological and ecological characteristics against criteria that encompass establishment requirements, growth rate and competitive ability, methods of reproduction, and dispersal mechanisms. Milla Rose only sources high quality, dried pampas grass in Melbourne that is tall and fluffy. Grasp several pampas grass stalks, bunching them together. Copyright 2023. Instagram weddings blamed for popularity of pampas grass, a noxious weed. But if you prefer to use the dried plume-like flowers for ornamental dcor, they can be easily found at craft stores. "It gets in your nose and mouth, and there are so many other beautiful wild grasses.". In 2014, escaped populations of pampas grass were discovered in Washington State, with one infestation having almost 500 plants. Its popularity has been on the rise as of late because of Instagram photos using Pampas grass in weddings and home decor. (That last part you dont have to imagine. In late summer, silvery-white plumes rise several feet above the foliage and make a bold, dramatic statement in the landscape. Propagating Pampas Grass. Noxious weeds can spread very quickly and harm native plants, waterways, wildlife and agriculture, so its important to not buy or sell them. You are free to re-use the work under that licence, on the condition that you credit the State of Victoria (Agriculture Victoria) as author, indicate if changes were made and comply with the other licence terms. "Some people are bringing the flowers over the border from Queensland," she said. Mature plants can reach 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Some noxious weeds, such as water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and salvinia (Salvinia molesta), are very attractive and are sold online as ornamental plants. We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Female pampas grass is most often seen because of its showier plumes. Invasive plants such as pampas grass displace native plants and create habitats that are lower in biodiversity. The estimated mean number of seeds produced per plant, counted from escaped pampas grassplants, was 416,399, ranging from 54,567 to 840,905 per plant. Dried pampas grass in particular is a huge trend at the moment and we dont see it going anywhere anytime soon. Plants either have all female flowers or all hermaphroditic flowers. Regardless of the use of this prominent grass, it's important to know the details of this special plant. Lagarosiphon is an aggressive freshwater aquatic plant that chokes still and slow-moving water. We may earn an affiliate commission if you buy from one of our product links, at no extra cost to you. Pampas grass, also known as Cortaderia to plant experts, is a very attractive grass that is part of the Poaceae grass family. If you want to know how you can get your hands on this trendy plant, it's often found in sunny places along the coast. Your gateway to a wide range of natural resources information and associated maps, Invasive Assessment | Impact Assessment | Potential Distribution. "The hard thing is, a lot of these florists, if they say no to a bride then that bride will go to the florist who will say yes, so it becomes an economical thing," Mr Devlin said. No, not exactly. The bold grass will sure make a statement in your home. Mailing: P.O. If you are planning to grow pampas grass, there are a few things to be aware of. Is pampas grass illegal? Giant wildrye is a great native alternative to invasive pampas grass because it provides the same beauty and utility in your garden, but unlike pampas grass, it contributes to higher biodiversity and does not negatively impact the natural environment or those animal species that rely on it. If you are unsure of where to buy pampas grass for a wedding, get in touch with us as we can source beautiful, fluffy stems for your wedding at an affordable price. You may see pampas grass for sale thats had its seeds removed. Pampas grass is an invasive plant that has the potential to spread faster than wildfire. While not required, pampas grass can be given a balanced fertilizer following pruning to help stimulate regrowth. Victorian Resources Online | Agriculture Victoria | Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions. Caring for your pampas grass is simple. Pampas grass is fully grown within 2-4 years and can last for up to 15 years. Its originally from South America. And as a bonus, artificial pampas grass wont get into your eyes and nose, which florists say can present quite an annoying problem with the real stuff. Pink Feather starts blooming in mid-summer and continues until fall, and the average height is 8 feet. Pampas Grass. We will also share some of our tips and tricks on how to incorporate pampas grass into your own dried flowers! Dig a hole just bigger than the new plant, and water moderately after planting. Pampas grass is a quickly growing grass that forms massive clumps along roadsides, steep cliffs, river banks, and open areas that have been disturbed by human activities or natural disturbances. A more detailed description of the methodology of the Victorian Weed Risk Assessment (WRA) method can be viewed below: Victorian Weed Risk Assessment (WRA) method (PDF - 630 KB) Wear eye protection, gloves, and long sleeves and pants when pruning or working near pampas grass, and plant in an area away from where children and dogs play. This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced. The feathery plumes that are so gorgeous in photos create thick matted stands of the grass that can also be a fire hazard. dig out the clump and transfer it to the desired planting spot. "It was quarantined in Australia and it went through a process of irradiation to kill the seeds and then we had documentation from customs saying we were legally allowed to have it.". If you're worried about the size and potential spread of pampas grass, some good alternatives are Korean Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis brachytricha), which grows up to 4 feet and has pink plumes; Shenandoah Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah') had red-tipped green leaves that turn burgundy in the fall; Regal Mist Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris 'Lenca') is topped with delicate cotton-candy plumes, is fast-growing, and tops out at 4 feet. While theyre extremely easy to grow, however, its important to know what youre getting into before planting pampas grass around the home. "We want clarification. Pampas grass, Cortaderia selloana, is a large perennial grass native to Brazil, Argentina and Chile. Agriculture Victoria will follow up on your report and arrange for the effective removal of the weeds. Pampas grass is especially bad for ecosystems because it tends to outcompete native plants. Also, planting or seeding desirable, non-invasive plants can provide competition to reduce germination and seedling establishment. By Alexandra Matkowsky Strip the end of the stems for any excess foliage. In many areas, pampas grass was used as . Florist Jaala Mills, who co-owns Bower Botanicals in Byron Bay, has worked on a number of local pampas grass weddings. Pampas grass typically grows 10 feet high and wide, and easily self-seeds. This statement plant needs room to grow. Ms Mills said most florists wanted to do the right thing but there was confusion in the industry about whether they were allowed to hire out grass that had been treated to kill the seeds. Stores including Myer, Etsy, and Amazon sell artificial pampas grass that looks just like the real deal. The entire crown and top section of the roots will need to be removed to prevent resprouting. Leaf margins have sharp teeth, which readily cut skin. Some noxious weeds, such as water hyacinth ( Eichhornia crassipes) and salvinia ( Salvinia molesta ), are very attractive and are sold online as ornamental plants. This fall grass is making appearances in centerpieces, wreaths, and even wedding bouquets more than ever before. All Rights Reserved. Giant wildrye has beautiful blue-gray or dark green leaves that are topped by clusters of yellow flowers during the summer and although this grass prefers full sunlight, it can also tolerate shady locations. This is due to over 100,000 seeds in its flowering heads that can spread up to 25kms from light winds. If pampas grass is illegal in your state, there are many businesses selling, Available at markets, in local florists, and here in our, styled and on display in your home or even at your wedding! a to plant experts, is a very attractive grass that is part of the Poaceae grass family. Stems, called culms, are stiff and grow to 6.6 to 13.1 feet (2 to 4 m) tall. Breaking the ban in Australia carries a $10,000 fine. Rogue, available at Myer, has a fairly conviving range of faux pampas grass, that when styled in a tall vase look shockingly close to the real deal. See the Emergency Closures page before visiting a CDFW office, facility or property. Two words showed something was wrong with the system, After centuries of Murdaugh rule in the Deep South, the family's power ends with a life sentence for murder, Flooding in southern Malaysia forces 40,000 people to flee homes, With Prince Andrew's sweetheart mansion rental ending, King Charles offers compromise that shocks his son, Storms threaten north-east United States after tearing through the south, leaving 10 dead. It is a large perennial grass that grows in clumps called tussocks. Sometimes in creamy white or a natural blush pink variety (you can also get dyed pampas grass too). The best conditions for growing pampas grass are loamy and moist, but well-drained soil. The plant is also banned in Victoria, Tasmania and the Northern Territory. Chasing sunlight today #homeaccount #housedesign #interiordesign #homedecor #pampasgrass #sunlight #spring, A post shared by Happiest When At Home (@happiestwhenathome) on Mar 2, 2020 at 1:08pm PST. Splendid Star This dwarf pampas grass (this is a manageable plant that can be grown in containersthe leaves reach 2.5 feet, and the plumes stretch to 4 feet) has striking golden-green leaves and white blooms. WhatsApps Launching a Newsletter, But No One (Including WhatsApp) Knows What Its About, Thats Right the Wait Is Over Afterpay Day Is Nearly Here Again, 10 Eye-Catching Homewares Under $50 (That No One Would Ever Guess Cost So Little), Give Your Home a Renaissance Remix With These White Lotus Inspired Italian Pieces, 7 Mantelpiece Dcor Pieces So Gorgeous Your Guests Will Want to Steal Them. Class C noxious weed jubata grass, Cortaderia jubata, is very similary in appearance to pampas grass. AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), abc.net.au/news/illegal-untreated-pampas-grass-wedding-trend-on-instagram/11143398, Help keep family & friends informed by sharing this article, Australia's biggest drug bust: $1 billion worth of cocaine linked to Mexican cartel intercepted, 'Pincers are closing': Ukrainian forces under pressure as Russians shell roads out of Bakhmut, Four in hospital after terrifying home invasion by gang armed with machetes, knives, hammer, 'We have got the balance right': PM gives Greens' super demands short shrift, Crowd laughs as Russia's foreign minister claims Ukraine war 'was launched against us', The tense, 10-minute meeting that left Russia's chief diplomat smoking outside in the blazing sun, 'Celebrity leaders': Mike Pompeo, Nikki Haley take veiled jabs at Donald Trump in CPAC remarks. After seeds develop and spread, stems with old flowers remain through the winter. August 14, 2022. Who doesnt love Pampas Grass? Continue in this manner until you have cut all the grass down to a manageable size. Prescribed measures for the control of noxious weeds, Protect our environment from the illegal online trade of noxious weeds, Victorian Government role in invasive plant and animal management, More information and a full list of Victoria's declared noxious weeds, taking a screenshot of the advertisement and emailing it to, emailing details about your sighting, including the address and photos of the plant, to, making a report via the online form (above), calling the Agriculture Victoria Customer Service Centre on. Plant pampas grass is a sunny area with well-draining soil. It grows in sand, tolerates drought, and bends gracefully in the salty breeze. Biosecurity officers have raided florists on the north coast of New South Wales to seize an illegal noxious weed popularised by so-called Instagram weddings. Bunch the stems together and tie with string or a rubber band then hang upside down to dry in a cool, dry place for 3-4 weeks. Cortaderia jubata (pink pampas grass) are present. The online trade of noxious weeds allows them to spread quickly. In Texas, pampas grass is considered a nuisance plant and is regulated by the state. These water weeds quickly spread to cover and block waterways, which harms native plants and wildlife and reduces water quality for farming and recreation activities, such as boating and water skiing. Following the pruning, use a sharp spade to cut a clump from the plant. Primary panicle branches are 2.4 to 7.9 inches (6 to 20 cm) and are appressed or spreading. It is a non-toxic plant that can be safely enjoyed by both pets and people alike. It is illegal to cut pampas grass without a permit from the Texas Department of Agriculture. Like many invasive plants, they spread via underground rhizomes, making it hard for plants that grow from seeds to keep up. Leaf blades are up to 6.6 feet long and have a prominent midrib. In the meantime, you can find us scrolling through Pinterest and pinning the most dreamy, pampas grass wedding. More information and a full list of Victoria's declared noxious weeds. Rous County Council's Kim Curtis said under the Biosecurity Act it was still illegal to sell pampas grass on the NSW north coast even if it had been irradiated because it was impossible to tell which plants had been treated. Breaking the ban in Australia carries a $10,000 fine. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Patagonia Loved for its blue-gray leaves that provide a beautiful contrast to the silvery-white flowers, Patagonia soars to a spectacular 9 feet. Leaf sheaths are variable in their hairiness and the ligules consists of a dense ring of hairs.