Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is an ornamental grass known for its tall, dense clumps and large, feathery plumes. Its cost varies significantly depending on whether the consumer seeks a live perennial for landscaping or dried plumes for decorative arrangements. The price separates into two distinct markets: the horticultural market for planting and the floral and home decor market for dried materials.
Cost of Live Pampas Grass Plants
The most economical way to cultivate pampas grass is by purchasing seeds, which typically cost a few dollars per packet. While the initial investment is low, the plant takes two to three years to reach maturity and produce plumes. A faster option is a small starter plant, often sold in a 1-gallon container, which generally ranges from $10 to $15.
For immediate impact, a mature specimen is required, which increases the price. Plants sold in 5-gallon pots cost around $20 to $30 at local nurseries. Established female plants produce the showiest plumes and are often propagated by division for consistency, sometimes commanding a higher price. The overall cost of a live plant is heavily influenced by its size and the time the grower has invested in its maturity.
Pricing Dried Decorative Plumes
Dried pampas grass plumes represent the primary consumer purchase and exhibit the widest range in pricing, reflecting quality, size, and quantity. For small-scale decorating, plumes are often sold in small bunches of five to ten stems. A small bunch of five natural, untreated stems might cost between $18 and $20, resulting in a per-stem cost of $3.60 to $4.00.
Purchasing in larger quantities significantly reduces the per-stem price due to bulk discounts. Wholesale lots of 50 to 100 plumes can drop the price to $0.50 to $0.80 per stem. Premium plumes, characterized by exceptional size, density, and low shedding, can easily exceed $1.00 per stem, even when bought in bulk.
The cost is also directly affected by processing, with natural plumes forming the baseline price. Plumes that have been bleached, dyed, or custom-colored are substantially more expensive, reflecting the chemical treatment and labor involved. For example, a bunch of five dyed stems can be priced around $28, nearly doubling the cost of a natural bunch. Extra-tall stems, exceeding four or five feet, are priced at a premium due to limited availability and increased shipping difficulty.
Key Factors Influencing Pampas Grass Costs
The initial cultivar selection is a significant driver of price for both live plants and specialty dried plumes. While the common Cortaderia selloana is widely available, specific sterile or dwarf varieties like ‘Pumila’ or those with distinct coloration command a higher price point. These specialized plants are often propagated vegetatively to ensure desirable traits, a more costly process than growing from seed.
The supply chain creates a clear difference in pricing between wholesale and retail consumers. Large-volume buyers purchasing directly from growers receive low bulk pricing, sometimes as low as $0.20 per stem. The same plumes sold individually or in small retail bunches carry a substantial markup. Direct-to-consumer online shops also factor in the cost of careful packaging and shipping required to protect the delicate plumes.
Geographic location and seasonality heavily influence the final price. Local nursery prices for live plants fluctuate based on regional growing conditions and availability. Dried plumes face high demand during peak seasons, particularly late summer and fall, coinciding with wedding and holiday decorating trends. This seasonal demand surge can lead to temporary price increases.