Pampas Grass Care - How To Grow Pampas Grass
Most people are familiar with the large clumps of lush, grass-like foliage and creamy white feathery plumes of pampas grass (though pink varieties are available too). Pampas grass (Cortaderia) is an attractive ornamental grass that is popular in many landscapes.
While they're extremely easy to grow, however, it's important to know what you're getting into before planting pampas grass around the home. Don't be so quick to plant it simply because it looks good. It's 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.
How to Grow Pampas Grass
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. When mass planting pampas grass, you'll have to space them about 6 to 8 feet (2 m.) apart.
Pampas grass enjoys areas with full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It also tolerates a wide range of soil types but prefers moist, well-draining soil. Another plus side to growing pampas grass is its tolerance of drought, wind, and salt sprays—which is why you commonly see the plant along coastal regions.
The grass is hardy in USDA zones 7 through 11, but in well protected areas, it can even be grown in Zone 6. It's not suited for cold regions unless grown in pots and brought indoors over winter and replanted outdoors in spring. Due to its large size, however, this isn't really practical.
How to Care for Pampas Grass
Once established, pampas grass care is minimal, requiring little maintenance other than watering in extreme drought. It should also be pruned each year to the ground. This is usually performed in late winter or early spring. Due to the plant's sharp foliage, the task of pruning should be done with great care using gloves and a long-sleeved shirt. 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. While not required, pampas grass can be given a balanced fertilizer following pruning to help stimulate regrowth.
Propagating Pampas Grass
Pampas grass is usually propagated through division in spring. Pruned clumps can be sliced through with a shovel and replanted elsewhere. Normally, only female plants are propagated. Pampas grass bears male and female plumes on separate plants, with females being the most common among varieties grown. They are much showier then their male counterparts with fuller plumes (flowers) of silk-like hairs, of which the males do not have.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Nikki Tilley has been gardening for nearly three decades. The former Senior Editor and Archivist of Gardening Know How, Nikki has also authored six gardening books.
-
Fancy Christmas Flowers Other Than Poinsettias? Try These 6 Joyful Blooming Alternatives
The holiday season seems synonymous with poinsettia plants, but if you’re keen to broaden your festive floral horizons, why not try these cheerful holiday bloomers?
By Amy Grant
-
Rosemary Decor Ideas: Try These 5 Creative And Tasteful Ways To Decorate With Rosemary
Have you only ever used rosemary as a garnish with the festive turkey? These rosemary decor ideas will fill your home and gifting horizons with fragrant new possibilities
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Moving Pampas Grass: When Should I Transplant Pampas Grass Plants
Pampas grass is a stunning addition to the landscape, forming mounds of around 10 feet (3 m.) in diameter. With its quick growth habit, it is easy to understand why many growers ask, “Should I transplant pampas grass?”. Click this article to learn more.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Potted Pampas Grass Care: How To Grow Pampas Grass In Containers
The huge, elegant pampas grass makes a statement in the garden, but can you grow pampas grass in pots? These grasses can get over ten feet (3 m.) tall, which means you need plenty of room. Click here for tips on how to grow pampas grass in containers.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Pruning Pampas Grass: When And How To Prune Pampas Grass Plants
Few plants make as bold a statement in the landscape as pampas grass. These showy plants require little care except for the annual pruning, which isn't a job for the faint of heart. Find out about pruning pampas grass in this article.
By Jackie Carroll
-
Remove Pampas Grass: Tips For Pampas Grass Control And Removal
Pampas grass can grow quite large, and because if this and its size and numerous seeds, some people find pampas grass control a concern. This article explains what kills pampas grass if you need help with control.
By Susan Patterson