Discover how to grow pampas grass and you can add this beautiful, architectural, ethereal plant to your borders to create a dramatic effect. Pampas grass was very popular in the 1970s, after which it became something of a garden cliché, but fortunately, this most beautiful of grasses is making a comeback and is a popular backyard plant now.
Why grow pampas grass? Drought-tolerant, disease-resistant and fast-growing, this perennial grass features gorgeous feather-shaped flowers at the end of long stems making it the perfect focal point – or if you’re growing ornamental grasses in your garden, it will make a wonderful addition.
“Pampas have been able to shed their suburban image and reinvent themselves as an ornamental grass from today. They’ve been growing in popularity for a while now, and this shift means that these feathery plumes have officially had a moment. “It’s easy to keep up with the trend and add one to your garden, either by purchasing a plant at a garden center or online,” says garden expert Sarah Wilson. ‘Instead, try growing one from seed indoors as now (February to April) is a good time to do it. They’re easy to grow and in no time you’ll be picking your own plants dry.’
A word of caution: pampas grass self-seeds, it can grow up to 10 feet very quickly, and in some states, it is classified as an invasive plant and is banned; Once in, self-seeding means it’s also difficult to get rid of – so think carefully – and check local laws – before planting it. Below, our experts offer advice on how to grow pampas grass successfully, including growth control and safe planting.
How to grow pampas grass
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Growing pampas grass is fairly easy, but there are several considerations to ensure it is a successful addition to your garden. The best time to plant pampas grass is from spring to mid-June, to allow the young plants to become established before winter.
1. Find the best place to plant pampas grass
Pampas grass likes sunny locations, although it will grow – not quite happily – in dappled shade, which means it grows most successfully in zones 7 to 11, although there are hardy varieties that can adapt to climates in zone 6.
Pampas prefer moist, well-drained soil, and need plenty of space around them – if you’re planting pampas as a hedge or as garden privacy ideas, leave at least 6 feet between each plant.
Pampas tolerate wind – they look beautiful swaying in a gentle breeze – and tolerate salty conditions too, making them a good addition to a coastal garden.
Finally – an important point – “The pampas plant is highly flammable, so it is essential, especially in dry climates or in areas prone to bushfires, to plant it away from fences, barbecue areas, wooden garden furniture and houses or outbuildings,” advises garden expert Melanie Griffiths. . “Think of your neighbors, too: Pampas grass self-seeds, so planting it away from neighbors’ backyards means it’s less likely to show up uninvited in their borders, too.”
2. Growing pampas grass from seeds
You can grow pampas grass from seed, sowing the seeds in containers indoors from February through April. Once the weather gets warmer, plant pampas in your borders and water well. Pampas grass grows quickly, so you can expect it to reach full height within months, although pampas grass grown from seed will not flower for at least two years.
3. Plant the ready-made pampas grass in the pot
If you buy pampas grass ready to plant, you have the advantage of two years of growth — and those distinctive feathery flowers.
To plant it, make sure the hole is the same width and height as the plant’s root ball, add fertilizer to the hole, then place the pampas in it, fill the hole with soil, firm it with your foot and water well.
4. Growing pampas grass in a container
“If you’re looking for container planting ideas, pampas grass is a great choice – in fact, it can be beneficial as its growth will of course be limited in spread and height – although it will still be self-happy. Seeds are recommended H&GGarden writer Rachel Crowe. “Again, to grow pampas grass in a container, you will need well-drained soil.”
5. Pampas grass care and trimming
Pampas grass requires little care once established, although if you are experiencing a dry period it should be watered. When the plant is young, watering it once a month will ensure healthy growth.
Regardless, late winter or early spring pruning – and division – will be the major maintenance you need to do. To prune pampas grass, cut it back close to the ground to create a neat domed shape; This will ensure healthy growth for the new season. Take the opportunity to remove dead or damaged leaves.
Once that’s done, you can feed the pampas grass—the only time of year you’ll need to.
6. Propagate pampas grass to create new plants
If the pampas grass (female – most common type) has become too large, or if you want to re-locate some of it, you can divide it in the spring. First prune the pampas plant to make the task easier, then take a shovel to the center of the plant to divide it On site. Then simply replant them, as you did with the original plant.
What pampas grass grows?
The best way to ensure success is to choose the most popular pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) from a nursery that comes with all the information you need about that particular cultivar, its growth pattern, and its preferences. Avoid Cortaderia jubata, which is popular for its grassy appearance and ability to spread.
measuring: It’s worth paying attention to the final size of the plant – some can reach 12 feet tall, while dwarf varieties are better suited for smaller backyards.
Feather color: While plumes are the most common, you can find pampas with very pale pink plumes as well, which can look beautiful.