Winter protection — Cortaderia selloana (Schult. & Schult. f.) Asch. & Graebn.

To protect Cortaderia in autumn, the leaves are not pruned but tied into a tight bundle to prevent precipitation from entering the center of the clump, which could lead to the death of the plant. The root zone must be mulched with a layer of organic matter up to 40 cm thick to insulate the roots from freezing.

In regions with harsh winters, a frame is installed over the clump and covered with waterproof material to create an air-dry space. Total pruning of the plant is performed exclusively in spring, as removing leaves in autumn opens a path for moisture to reach the rhizome, promoting rotting processes.

Without special protection, Cortaderia selloana can only withstand short-term temperature drops to -10…-15°C. In areas with more severe winter conditions, where temperatures fall below -20°C, agronomic practices often require shifting the crop to container cultivation with storage in a cool room.