Pampas grass originates from South America where it grows in the wetlands of southern Brazil and Argentina and usually flourishes in wet soils.
It is found in the US from USDA zones 8 through 12. Pampas grass can survive in zones 6 and 7, though it is more stuggling in colder regions.
It is true that pampas grass would enhance your landscaping, but there are some considerations to keep in mind before rushing to plant it.
Growing Pampas Grass (Cortaderia Selloana)
Like with most plants, you can either purchase seedlings from a nursery or go through the trouble of planting seeds yourself. With pampas grass, however, transplanting is the more viable option.
This is better because you have the ability to nurture it into strong seedlings.
Transplanting also allows you to pick the female plants for transplanting. If you opt to use seeds, you will get a random mix of male and female clumps. The female clumps are much showier than its male counterpart and disguises as male pampas grass until flowering
As noted previously, pampas grass Cortaderia selloana does well in USDA zones 8-12. These are warmer climates, so you’ll want to plant your grass by early sprin
Having acquired the pampas grass, prepare your garden for cultivation.
Mark out a section of your garden where the grass will have ample room to grow. You’ll need to space the pampas grass by at least 5 feet, and if you’re planting them in clumps, increase this spacing further.
Pampas grass does best in full sun but can survive in partial shade. It withstands drought along with salt spray and can grow in a variety of soils as long as they drain well.
Consider the plant’s anticipated growth rate when designing the garden. Pampas can reach dimensions of 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, guiding spacing decisions to avoid a cluttered appearance in the garden.
Having that determined, measure or estimate the dimensions of the root ball, which helps in sizing the hole to be dug. Ideally, the hole should be as deep as the root ball’s height and twice its width.
Lower the grass gently, filling the hole halfway with soil. Pat the soil down around the roots and water thoroughly to prevent transplant shock while promoting root development.
Caring for the Grass
Water the grasses until the roots are established. By inserting a finger about an inch into the soil, you can ascertain whether the plants have been well watered or not by feeling the texture and moisture levels.
The roots may not be receiving adequate water if the soil is not damp. While the grass is setting up, watering will need to be more frequent. If the soil feels moist, then water will have to be restrained.
If left unchecked, pampas will take a lot of space due to the grass overgrowing. Therefore, adequate time, tools, and proper attire will be necessary to manage your garden.
Knowing basic gardening tips will also be useful. During late winter, when the grasses are dormant, it is advisable to cut and prune the grass once a year, paying attention to the sharp leaves.
As a last resort for pampas plants, applying a balanced fertilizer after the spring pruning period can help stimulate regrowth.
Pests and Diseases
Since cortaderia selloana is considered an invasive plant species, it has few natural herbivores. Therefore, the only fauna of concern will be some birds and insects.
To prevent this, learn how to keep birds out of your garden.
Types of Pampas Grasses
Pampas grass enriches the garden without any harm. There are numerous cultivars to choose from, ranging from smaller specimens to taller ones exceeding two meters.
True Pampas Grasses
- Andes Silver has an impressive height of 7 feet and width of 5 feet, making it an attractive feature in gardens. It thrives in zones 6–10 and is considered to be low maintenance.
- Bertini has a maximum height of 4 feet making it one of the shorter varieties. It can be found growing in zones 7 to 11. It features creamy white flowers that add beauty to any garden.
- Patagonia Pampas can be found in several regions and is known to produce silver white flowers. It’s foliage is gray-green and can reach up to 7 feet tall, making it hardy to zone 6.
- Pink Feathers add a stunning element with their pink plumes and can go as high as 7 feet. It is perfect for pink themed gardens. It is also drought and salt spray resistant, along with heat tolerant which makes it suitable for coastal gardens.
- Gold Band can reach 7 feet in height and 5 in width. It is hardy to zone 8 and can survive in almost all soils. Fertile well drained soils are the best for this range. Gold Band is also non invasive and unlike other pampas varieties, grows straight.
Hardy Pampas Grass
- Dwarf Pampas Grass, also goes by the name Pumila. One of the shorter variants, it grows to a height of roughly 4-6 feet and a width of 3-4 feet. It can thrive in virtually all garden types and tolerates both poor and varied soil conditions. It is also resistant to deer and dry winds after establishing itself. Like most members of the Cortaderia selloana species, female plants usually have the most attractive plumes. By planting both male and female pampas grass, you ensure a better production of viable seeds which is why the Pumila is invasive in some regions, including California.
- Pink Pampas Grass, or Rosea, a member of the Poaceae family is one of the larger varieties of pampas grasses. It may grow up to 10 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Its leaves may vary in color from pinkish-beige to light salmon. It is fast growing and reaches maturity in about 3 years, at which point it will fill your garden with fluffy pink plumes.
Pampas Grass Can Be Invasive
If cultivated responsibly, the flowers can beautify any landscape. However, one has to exercise caution when handling pampas grass. Each region has its specific restrictions or regulations, so be sure to check first.
The constant effort in attempting to control growth becomes futile once the grass is established. A better option would be to purchase sterile dwarf hybrids, since they do not produce seeds after maturing.
Mastering gardening practice requires an immense amount of background research and practical learning.
In the last several years, we’ve published multitudes of gardening content, so feel free to browse. With a little luck, you might discover something beneficial that you can put into practice in your gardening.