How to Grow and Care for Pampas Grass

Pampas grass is a large, ornamental grass with unmistakable feathery white plumes. Pampas grass grows best in hot and humid areas but can thrive even in colder regions, as long as it grows in full or partial sun, and well-draining loamy soil.

Pampas Grass Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing pampas grass.

• Plant in full sun to partial sun and in well-draining soil.
• Water new plants deeply but let rainfall nourish established plants.
• Cut back grass to the ground in late winter or early spring,
• Keep pampas grass away from structures, outdoor cooking areas, or open flames because it is highly flammable.

Warning

Before planting, investigate as to whether this plant is listed as invasive or a fire hazard in your area. It is known for growing quickly, can easily dominate other vegetation, and is very hard to eradicate once planted. It is listed as invasive in Australia, New Zealand, and throughout the west coast region of the United States, as well as Hawaii and Texas.

Light

Pampas grass prefers full sun, but can also grow in partial sun. Too much shade can cause fungal problems due to overly-damp soil.

Soil

Because of the possibility of fungal problems, pampas grass should be planted in moist, well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. The to healthy pampas grass is good drainage.

Consider Compost

Compost is an ideal soil amendment for pampas grass because it both enriches the soil and promotes drainage.

Water

Water new pampas grass deeply right after planting, and irrigate intermittently for the first few months. After this short period, rain water should be enough to satiate it (except in instances of extreme drought).

Temperature and Humidity

Native to South America, pampas grass withstands and thrives in heat and high humidity. A hardy variety, they also can withstand cold winters and some snowfall on occasion.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer will not be the deciding factor with these plants—they can take it or leave it. To encourage new growth, consider adding a well-balancer fertilizer after pruning. For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.

Types of Pampas Grass

There are several varieties of pampas grass, including these three popular types.

• ‘Pumila’: Also known as dwarf pampas grass, this compact variety can grow up to five feet tall. It can vary in color from pale yellow to ivory, and is a great choice to grow in containers.
• ‘Sunningdale Silver’: As the name suggests, this variety shows off silver plumes. They are not as prone to clumping as pumila, and grow up to 10 feet tall.
• ‘Rendatleri’: This "pink feather" cultivator is a show-stopper with its vibrant pink plumes and can grow up to eight feet tall.

Pruning

Prune the grass once a year to maintain cleanliness and to encourage new growth. Do so in late winter or early spring, pruning straight to the ground.

Warning

Wear protective gear when pruning and propagating, as the blades of grass are very sharp. Use gloves, eye protection, and long pants and sleeves.

Propagating Pampas Grass

Propagating pampas grass is easily done by division. Divide your grass every few years for the best results. Always wear protective gloves and clothing when dividing pampas grass. Take these steps:

1. Divide pampas grass in the early spring (as early as March) when you see new growth. Use a sharp shovel to divide through the plant and its dense, tough root system.
2. Dig around the separated clump slowly until it can be removed. You may need to wrestle a bit with the clump if it's large.
3. Fill in the hole and move the divided plant to its own area. If planted near existing grasses, space six to eight feet apart to allow sufficient room for growth.

How to Grow Pampas Grass From Seed

Pampas grass can easily be grown from seeds but results will be patchy and you will likely grow only male grass instead of the preferred female plumes. Harvest seeds in the late summer or early fall when you see seeds on the fluffy plumes. The seeds are dark brown, black, narrow, long, and pointy. You'll find more seeds on female plumes than on male plumes. Once you harvest the seeds, follow these steps:

1. Cover seeds lightly with rich, well-draining soil.
2. Cover the pots with plastic bags or domes.
3. Place the pots in an area with bright, indirect light. Germination should occur in about three weeks.
4. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into larger pots.
5. When they begin to take on a bushy appearance, plant the grasses outdoors once there is no threat of frost.

Potting and Repotting Pampas Grass

Pampas grass, especially the dwarf varieties, can be kept in containers. Because of its size, choose a large container with plenty of room for growth. Once the grass has filled the pot, either divide the clump or move it to a larger pot. To do so, tip the grass onto its side and tap the outside of the pot until the roots loosen.

Place the plant in its new pot and fill with rich, well-draining soil. Ensure there are drainage holes to prevent any standing water for every pot.

Overwintering

These hardy plants do not require much attention to survive the winter, and do their best when left alone until pruning time in late winter or early spring. Leaving the foliage will create a natural protective layer for the plant, though you may also want to add an extra layer of mulch to help insulate it.

How to Get Pampas Grass to Bloom

Bloom Months

Pampas grass plumes can be found blooming in the late summer into the early fall. If the grass is not cut down, it may bloom throughout the winter, depending on your location.

What Does a Pampas Grass Flower Look and Smell Like?

Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants. Female pampas grass is most often seen because of its showier, silkier, and fuller plumes.The fluffy, featherlike plumes may be white, silver, or pink, depending on the type. Dried pampas grass is very popular for use in decor and flower arrangements. Fresh pampas grass does not have much of a notable scent but when it is dried, it may have a hay-like smell.

How to Encourage More Blooms

Pampas grass needs full sun and well-drained soil to bloom at its best. Also, avoid letting any nitrogen-rich fertilizer reach this grass because it will hinder blooming.

Common Problems With Pampas Grass

Pampas grass has virtually no pest or disease issues. However, it may cause or experience other problems. Here are a few issues you may see or want to avoid, with this grass.

Highly Flammable

This plant is highly flammable, especially when the grass dries out or dies. Avoid planting pampas grass close to buildings, outdoor cooking areas, or open flames where it can become a fire hazard. Because of its vigorous self-seeding nature, it may be best to grow a sterile plant to reduce the risk of rampantly spreading pampas grass around your property.

Razor Sharp Blades

The edges of a pampas grass leaf blade can be quite sharp. Handle the blades with protective gloves and clothing when cutting or pruning pampas grass. Consider planting this grass away from high-traffic pathways or where young children play. The plumes, however, are soft to the touch.

Attracts Critters

Like all tall grasses, pampas grass also makes a good hiding spot or habitat for small critters, including snakes, especially if the grass is untrimmed and untamed. If there are no open sources of food or birdseed nearby, there shouldn't be too much of a problem with anything slithering into your pampas grass.

Dead Center

If the grass is not cut down every year and the dried, dead matter is not cleaned out of the center of the pampas grass stand, the center may begin to rot. The old foliage that was left to decay will cause the rot and it will be difficult to fill in or fix the hole in the stand. Rot will also occur if the plant's tussock (crown) is allowed to grow too large and full without division.

From: thespruce