The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Pampas grassis a large, ornamental grass with unmistakable feathery white plumes.
Pampas Grass Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing pampas grass.
Light
Pampas grass prefers full sun, but can also grow in partial sun.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Too much shade can cause fungal problems due to overly-damp soil.
The to healthy pampas grass is good drainage.
A hardy variety, they also can withstand cold winters and some snowfall on occasion.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Fertilizer
Fertilizer will not be the deciding factor with these plantsthey 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.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Types of Pampas Grass
There are several varieties of pampas grass, including these three popular types.
Pruning
Prune the grassonce a year to maintain cleanliness and to encourage new growth.
Do so in late winter or early spring, pruning straight to the ground.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 key in.
Dried pampas grass is very popular for use indecorandflower arrangements.
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.
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.
Pampas grass is simple to maintain once established and often only requires yearly pruning.
This hardy grass is tolerant of wind, drought, and salt spray from coastal areas.
It is also resistant to most diseases and pests.
Cutting pampas grass down to the ground in the late winter will refresh its growth in the spring.
It may be tough to cut through a dense patch of this grass.
It’s best to use a power hedge trimmer for a clean cut.
Pampas Grass.University of Georgia Extension
The Plant Doctor-Watering and Plant Disease.Mississippi State University Extension.
Pampas Grass.University of Georgia Extension.
