How to grow pampas grass

Ken Lin of Waters Garden Center in Prescott, Arizona, participated in Plant of the Week last Friday. Here’s your breakdown on how to grow pampas grass.

Dwarf pampas grass blends into desert or Mediterranean landscapes. The ivory-colored columns reach well above the foliage and provide an architectural look around courtyards and ponds. Well suited as a visual barrier or fence at the far reaches of the garden. Plant other bold forms like Agave and Yucca or keep it as a standout plant among evergreen shrubs and perennials.

This beautiful landscape grass has stunning autumn plumes. Tall stems of dramatic creamy white plumes are set atop dense clumps of green foliage. A perennial grass that tolerates both wind and drought, and provides a windbreak or showy barrier. The smaller dwarf form is well suited for smaller gardens and landscapes.

Zoya life can be appreciated: Cortaderia Silona
Common names: Pampas Grass
measuring: 5 x 5 feet of pressed ivory feathers / 10 x 10 inches all other types
Flowers: White, pink, cream
Flowering time: Late summer to early winter
Leaves: Green, tough, and steady in the strongest breeze
Growing area: 7-11
Light needs: 6+ hours per day
Water needs: Once established, water occasionally; More in extreme heat.
Flowers: 11 columns tower above dark green foliage
problems: Resistant to pests, diseases, and animals such as deer, elk, and spears.
Wildlife: Attracts birds.
Special features: Dwarf plant, easy to care for, fast growing, pet friendly, hydroponic
Companion plants: ninebark; Fir tree. Yucca. Russian sage; Rosemary

Pampas grass is beautiful and complements other plants in your garden. Grass is also a great filler for garden areas that appear sparse, around pools or corners of your garden.

How to plant

1. Dig a hole 2-3 times the width of the container but the same depth.
2. Cut the sides and bottom of the root ball with a utility knife or shears and place it in the planting hole.
3. Mix Watters Premium mulch into the native soil at a ratio of one part mulch to two parts soil dug from the hole and pack firmly around the roots.
4. Sprinkle 7-4-4 All-Purpose Plant Food around the planting area.
5. Prevent “transplant shock” by adding Waters “Root and Grow” to the water in two-week cycles during the first two months.
6. Use remaining Watters mulch inside the tree in addition to top dressing. This will remove weeds, insulate the roots from heat and cold, and keep the roots moist.

How to water

Always water newly planted grass well after planting. Roots require plenty of moisture to recover from the stresses of transplanting. Failure to water pampas grass may stunt its growth.

Make sure to keep the soil uniformly moist. Push your finger one inch into the soil. If it feels moist, your grass is fine. However, if it is dry, it means that the roots are not getting the moisture they need.

How to feed showy columns

During the first year after planting, fertilize the lawn in early spring, summer and fall with a 7-4-4 all-purpose plant food. It may take up to 3 years for the grass to establish itself and flourish.

Splitting pampas grass

It is best to divide/propagate pampas grass in late winter and early spring.
Follow these steps when propagating pampas grass.

1. Cut the grass back to within 1-2 feet of the ground until you can see the base of the plant.
2. Examine grass stems at soil level.
3. You should see buds forming at its base.
4. Using a sharp knife or spade cut the plug from the mother plant.
5. Refer to the guide above for planting a new grass block
6. Water well with “Root and Grow” to minimize transplant shock.

Pests and diseases of pampas grass

This grass is hardy, with no animals known to eat the top growth. Gophers sometimes like to nest under roots and can be easily discouraged with Molemax if they notice it. A guide to controlling gophers

Pampas grass sometimes gets a fungal infection that appears as spots. This mushroom usually arrives during the warm and rainy parts of the season. Spray foliage until dripping wet with revitalization; This biofungicide/bactericide treats the infection and restores the health of your pampas grass.

Spending the winter in the pampas grass

Pampas grass can withstand the cold winter months. Leave the foliage standing upright to insulate and protect the roots. In March, cut back any old foliage to make room for new growth the following season. Long-handled rings are recommended for pampas grass trimming.

Remove the old stems and then use string to tie the plant together. Cut last year’s foliage back to within 1-2 feet of the ground so you can see the base of the plant.

Pampas grass likes full sun for at least six hours a day, and grows best in well-drained soil. If you are planting a hedge, space plants six feet apart. Loosen the roots when you lower the plant into the hole, leaving the top of the root ball exposed to the garden air as it was in the planter.

Ivory Feathers Pampas grass is a select dwarf variety that grows up to 5 feet tall, with sterile seeds, so it won’t sprout all over your yard. It is much easier to care for and lasts longer than traditional pampas grass.

This article was written by Ken Lin. He can be found throughout the week at Watters Garden Center, 1815 W. Iron Springs Rd in Prescott, or contact him through his website at WattersGardenCenter.com or Top10Plants.com.

Get more gardening tips from Watters Garden Center in the Mountain Gardener column on Signals A Z.com.

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