There are many ornamental forms of pampas grass. Some have rose or purple flowers and others are smaller plants that grow four to five feet tall. The variety Cortaderia selloana 'pumula' is a dwarf form with very narrow grass-like leaves. This variety is becoming more widespread in the trade. The plume-like inflorescence differs between male and female plants.
Female plants produce plumes that are broad and full due to silky hairs covering the tiny flowers.
Male plumes appear narrow and thin because of the absence of hair on the flowers. However, the difference in appearance is not so obvious at first glance. There is also considerable variation among seedlings in growth habit, period of flowering, and size and shape of plumes. Therefore, if uniformity is desired, pampas grass should be propagated by dividing the clump rather than by seed. Pampas grass can be a very attractive and functional plant when used correctly in the landscape.