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Best time to plant pampas grass


Planting pampas grass: expert tips

I studied agricultural sciences with full conviction - an obvious choice for me, as I grew up on my parents’ farm and learned early on to find joy in taking care of plants and animals.

Favourite fruit: grapes, mangos and bananas.
Favourite vegetables: brussels sprouts, spinach and potatoes

Pampas grass does very well not only in spacious beds, but also in pots. Let us show you what to consider when planting pampas grass.

Pampas grass can also be grown in pots [Photo: R. Maximiliane/ Shutterstock.com]

If you have decided on one or more pampas grasses (Cortaderia) to beautify your garden, then it is important to find a suitable place for them. This ornamental grass is used in the open ground or planted in sufficiently large containers to place on the terrace or balcony.

Contents

Planting pampas grass: when to plant pampas grass

Pampas grass can be planted throughout the gardening year. The most ideal planting time is in late spring after the last frost. Then the grass will have enough time to get well accustomed to its new location before the next winter and grow in the best possible way. If you decide to plant in autumn, then there is a risk that the pampas grass will become rotten or even sustain frost damage due to increased wet weather. However, well-prepared and protected planting is also possible later in the year.

Spring is the best time for planting [Photo: Yunava1/ Shutterstock.com]

Where to plant pampas grass

Pampas grass needs a warm location, preferably in full-sun. The selected place should be protected from the wind, so that the long stalks of flowers do not bend. The ornamental grass must have enough space to spread. Because its eyrie raches a diameter of one metre plus.

Pampas grass needs a sunny spot and a nutrient-rich soil [Photo: tamu1500/ Shutterstock.com]

Pampas grass needs a nutrient-rich soil that is also well-drained. If the soil is too firm, you can mix in sand or small pebbles. The addition of pebbles and sand has a draining effect and thus prevents waterlogging. To ensure that the ornamental grass is well supplied from the start, it is advisable to mix in a good dose of compost or slow-release fertiliser such as our Plantura All Purpose Plant Food when planting.

All Purpose Plant Food, 1.5kg

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Planting pampas grass in pot

It is also very decorative when planted in a tub or pot to decorate patios and balconies. You should only avoid growing pampas grass indoors. There, you can rarely find a place that will provide enough light, and the indoor climate is also not good for the plant in the long term. The south side of the house is an ideal place for pots.

Suitable substrate

If you plant pampas grass in a pot, then the planting substrate should ideally consist of garden soil, sand and humus or compost. These are all the conditions needed to thrive. If you like to use a ready-made potting soil mix, you can use a high-quality universal soil such as our peat-free Plantura Organic All Purpose Compost or a special soil for ornamental grasses. The most important thing is a permeable structure that allows air and water to completely penetrate the substrate.

Organic All Purpose Compost, 40L

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Pampas grass in pots: successful overwintering

The easiest way is to move the pampas grass in a container to a suitable frost-free and at least partially lit room, so that it can overwinter there without damage. It should be watered from time to time in the process.

The foliage can withstand frost, but the roots should be protected [Photo: Manfred Ruckszio/ Shutterstock. com]

If such a possibility is not available to you, then the pot should be thickly wrapped with bubble wrap and the rest of the plant tied together at the top and wrapped with fleece. It is advisable that the pot is placed on a movable planter from the beginning.

Planting pampas grass in flowerbeds: 6-step procedure

Below, we show you how to properly plant pampas grass in your own garden step by step.

Cortaderia selloana grows rapidly in width in suitable locations [Photo: Jahina_Photography/ Shutterstock.com]
  1. Choose a suitable place. Here you should ensure that the soil is rich in humus and loose, as well as water-permeable, and the grass is placed in a sunny position, protected from the wind.
  2. Dig a sufficiently large planting hole. The volume of the planting hole should be at least 50 litres.
  3. Water well when planting, but do not because waterlogging.
  4. Return the excavated soil to the planting hole and only lightly compact it – the rest will settle with rainfall and watering.
  5. Plant the next plant in the same way with sufficient distance (1 – 2 m).

After planting comes care: You can find out how to properly prune pampas grass so that it is protected in winter but also sprouts abundantly year after year in our article on pruning pampas grass.

for a fabulous ornamental grass |

(Image credit: Alamy)

Pampas grass is a wonderful ornamental grass whose lush panicles offer a restful break from the green of a typical yard. Knowing when to plant pampas grass can make all the difference between a generous perennial  plant and a laclustre weedy grass. 

Before learning how to grow pampas grass you need to know when to plant pampas grass to give your plan the best chance of survival. These grasses are an iconic addition to both yards and homes, with dried pampas stems becoming a popular interior design trend in recent years. Adding this plant to your backyard ideas is bound to attract attention for all the right reasons while inspiring relaxation with its long stems and gently swaying.  

Here, we look at the best time to plant pampas grass so you can enjoy the tranquil effects of this popular grass from your own home. 

When to plant pampas grass 

(Image credit: Alamy)

'The best time to plant pampas grass is in the spring time,' says Rachel Crow, garden editor for Homes & Gardens. 'This ornamental plant can take a while to establish its roots despite being a fast grower as it matures, so planting in spring will give it plenty of time to grow strong to survive winter and build the strength required to remain in your garden for years to come.' 

'Avoid planting your pampas grass seeds much after mid-June,' Rachel warns, 'as this might not leave enough time for germination and for roots to fully establish themselves.'

When planting pampas grass seeds, it is important to consider the long term commitment of this type of plant. Much like how to grow ornamental grasses generally, pampas is incredibly easy to grow and can very quickly overrun your garden. It can be difficult to get rid of even six months after planting, so make sure this fast-growing plant is for you before you take on the responsibility. 

Planting pampas grass in late winter

(Image credit: Alamy)

It is possible to plant pampas grass in later winter months if it is planting inside or in a greenhouse, Rachel says. 'Planting pampas grass seeds in trays inside can help the roots germinate more quickly and grow into robust seedlings. Transplanting these established plugs in spring into an outdoor garden will help to boost their growth.'

When to propagate and plant pampas grass

(Image credit: Alamy)

'Pampas grass spreads rapidly so it is a good idea to split your established plants each spring to prevent them from completely taking over an entire area of your garden,' recommends Rachel.

If you are planning to propagate a section of pampas grass this is best done around the same time as planting pampas grass as a seed. 'Early spring time is a busy time for pampas grass owners,' Rachel continues. 'Learning how to take plant cuttings and propagating a section of a pampas plant in early spring will allow the plant an entire growing season to establish a stable root system.'

How long does pampas grass take to grow? 

Pampas grass takes approximately 21 days to germinate and will reach its full height within a few months. If your pampas grass was planted as a seed, however, it will not flower for the first two years after planting. Once pampas grass has flowered, the plant spreads quickly - much like its distant cousin, the bamboo plant. 

What month does pampas grass flower?

Despite being planted in spring, pampas grass (once mature at two years old) will flower in the later summer months - most likely September. If weather remains temperate, these blooms can last for months before finally dying back to survive the frosts. 

Chiana is a junior writer for Homes & Gardens having joined Future plc as a new graduate in 2022 after achieving a 1st class degree in Literature at university. She first became interested in design as a child after spending her summers helping her parents redecorate her childhood home. As a long-time reader of Future’s homes titles, Chiana is constantly finding new inspiration at work as she focuses on emerging trends, how-to’s, and news pieces.

Pampas grass - features of planting, care, wintering

Cortaderia, or pampas grass, looks great at their summer cottage. But for some reason, few grow it. Let's take a closer look at this powerful and at the same time graceful plant.

Pampas grass is a perennial plant of the Cereal family, which is able to form large and dense sods up to 3 m in height and width. In the wild, this herb grows in the pampas of South America and is considered a weed. nine0003

The elongated, pointed leaves of the plant hang down under their own weight and thus give the bush a rounded appearance. Pampas grass blooms from August until frost with branched flower panicles of silver, pink or yellow color.

When buying seedlings, pay attention to which cortaderia you are offered. Female plants do not lose their decorative effect even during the rains. Men's with the advent of autumn grow dim.

In winter, pampas grass will perfectly decorate an apartment if its panicles are dried and placed in a vase

Planting pampas grass

Pampas grass can be planted in spring from the end of March. The sooner you plant a plant, the sooner it will take root by the start of the growing season.

The planting hole for pampas grass should be wider than the root system of the plant. Before planting, drainage (gravel, pebbles, broken brick or sand) should be poured into the bottom of the pit, and several buckets of compost should be placed on top of it. Too deepen the bush is not worth it, otherwise the plant may begin to rot. nine0003

When planting several plants, keep a distance of 1.5-2 m between them.

Pampas grass is watered into a hole made around the plant. Cortaderia especially needs watering in the summer months, because that's when the growth of green mass occurs.

Pampas grass loves bright light. But, when choosing a place for a plant, give preference to areas closed from the wind.

Cortaderia looks good both on the lawn and in the flower bed. Its fluffy panicle inflorescences perfectly decorate the empty spaces of the site. This grass is also planted near stone buildings. This placement has a significant advantage: the stones give off their heat and contribute to the good growth of the cortaderia. nine0003

Near high thickets of pampas grass, a recreation area is often organized: sunbeds and garden benches are placed. Yes, and there will be a lot of trouble with the stratification of seeds, so it's easier to buy seedlings.

Pampas Grass Care

Cortaderia is hardy and can withstand both drought and high humidity. The main care of the plant is systematic watering. And it should be remembered: the larger the plant, the more moisture it needs. On average, one cortaderia bush needs 1-2 buckets of water every 2-3 days. nine0003

Annual (early spring) top dressing with complex mineral fertilizer is also important. During the growing season, once every two weeks, you can feed the plant with Azofoska's solution.

Faded inflorescences of cortaderia retain their decorative effect for a long time, so it is better to cut them in spring. At the same time, you need to cut off dead leaves.

Overwintering pampas grass

There is an opinion that pampas grass does not tolerate cold well. This is not entirely true. It's all about the high humidity of the air and soil. Shelter made of dry grass and leaves, which should be stocked in advance, will help the plant to overwinter. nine0003

In November, trim the bush to 30-40 cm or tie the leaves with twine to drain the water. This will make winter easier. After that, sprinkle dry foliage and grass on the soil around the stems with a layer of 40 cm. When grown in the northern regions, additionally cover the pampas grass from above with a film or a warm cloth. Under such shelter, the plant will safely overwinter, even if the temperature drops to -25 ° C.

Popular varieties of Cortaderia

Variety Description

Andes Silver

Plant height - 2 m, inflorescences - silvery-white.

The variety is relatively cold-resistant, but in the northern regions the plant needs good shelter.

Monstrosa

Grows up to 2 m high.

nine0002 Leaves - gray-green, inflorescences - large, snow-white color.

Patagonia

Relatively cold-resistant plant about 2 m high.

Leaves are gray-green, inflorescences are silver-white.

Pumila

nine0002 One of the most cold-resistant varieties.

Plant height is approximately 1.2 m.

Leaves - gray-green, inflorescences - white.

Pink Feather

A plant with gray-green leaves and bright pink panicle inflorescences.

Rosea

nine0054

Height - up to 2 m.

Inflorescences - silver-white with a delicate pink tint.

Sunningdale Silver

Plant up to 2.3 m high with silver-white paniculate inflorescences.

This unusual plant has a place in any garden style. Pampas grass goes well with other cereal crops, and looks good as a "soloist" of a flower garden. nine0003

planting and care, use, types

Cortaderia silver, Cortaderia dioecious or Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is a cereal plant belonging to the Cortaderia family. South America is rightfully considered the birthplace of Kortaderia sello, where the culture grows in the pampas (steppes), which is why the name of the plant came about. At home, it is considered a weed. Cortaderia silveris one of the most impressive ornamental grasses, producing a large evergreen clump with very tall feathers of white flowers in autumn that last for several months. We will tell you how to grow this exotic plant and how to use it to decorate your garden and home. nineOl000

  • 3.1 Watering Pampas Grass
  • 3.2 Feeding Cortaderia
  • 3.3 Pruning
  • 3.4 How to Winterize Pampas Grass
  • 4 Propagating Pampas Grass
  • 8 How to use pampas grass for housing decor
    • 8.1 Bouquets and floral compositions from dried flowers
    • 8.2 Pampas grass in a floor vase
    • 8.3 We use pampas grass as a wreath of News of News
      • fir-tree from Pampas grass

    • Description of Pampas grass

    Cortaderia is an upright perennial herbaceous plant up to 2-4 m high and 1-2 m wide. Foliage up to two meters long, thin, with a sharp tip, edges. The color of the foliage, depending on the variety, is green with a bluish or silvery-gray tint. Flowers are collected in large, paniculate inflorescences, located on long peduncles. Inflorescences are collected from individual spikelets, in which about 7 flowers are located. In its natural range, Cortaderia grass is found in moist soils on plains, dunes, among sparse shrubs and in coastal areas. nine0003 The flowering period of pampas grass is August-November.

    Pampas Grass is highly adaptable and can grow in any climate. Before planting pampas grass in the garden, you should pay attention to the fact that the plant has a high reproduction rate that needs to be controlled. Uncontrollably growing grass may soon fill the entire space, crowding out other flora. An effective option to get rid of, reduce the planting of Cortaderia is chemical weeding. Burning grass is an ineffective way. nine0003

    Pampas grass: planting and care in the open field

    Cortaderia is started from seeds or by dividing an adult bush. You can buy seeds in garden stores. They are sown in spring, less often in autumn. Autumn sowing is fraught with the death of young shoots in the winter, it can be practiced only in the southern regions or use containers for growing seedlings.

    Cortaderia seedlings

    Spring planting consists of several mandatory procedures:

    Depending on the region, pampas grass seeds are sown outdoors in mid-spring. The soil should be well warmed up, there should be no risk of morning frosts. The ideal time to plant Cortaderia grass is between mid and late May. nine0003

    The planting hole should be slightly wider than the planting bush. It is not recommended to deepen the seedling too much, it will be difficult to take root, it may rot. After immersing the roots in the ground, they are covered with earth, lightly tamping the soil around. For irrigation, a rounded gutter is made around the perimeter of the growing bush. The flowering of a plant propagated by seed occurs no earlier than five years later.

    A faster way to get a lush herbaceous bush is by dividing the mother plant. Separation is done in the spring. The resulting parts are immediately planted in moist soil. nine0003

    Pampas grass thrives in full sunlight. The plant tolerates a semi-shady place well, but the development of Cortaderia may slow down. The planting site must be protected from the wind so that the plant does not suffer from breaking due to gusts.

    You may be interested

    What are the soil requirements

    0272

    • low moisture ground
    • sandy or rocky ground
    • drained earth, non-stagnant
    • use sand, gravel or gravel drainage whenever possible to prevent waterlogging

    Avoid areas exposed to moisture from ponds or streams.

    Soil composition for container planting

    In order to grow ornamental grass in your flower pot, you must choose the soil composition. We advise you to switch to high-quality soil. If needed, it can be mixed with cactus potting mix to increase water passage. To provide the best structure, use soil with perlite. You can also enrich the soil with bark mulch, wood or coconut fibers. nine0003

    How to care for pampas grass

    Caring for Cortaderia is quite easy, not burdensome. Due to the natural vitality, stability, the grass can adapt to almost all conditions.

    The culture requires sunny, open space to maintain its decorative effect. In the first couple of years of intensive development of the root system, watering should be regular, as needed. The plant can tolerate short-term drought, but does not tolerate excessive moisture, waterlogged soil. The soil must be well drained and permeable. When planting, be sure to use drainage - this will help ensure the normal circulation of moisture in the rhizome. nine0003

    Watering Pampas Grass

    Cortaderia likes fairly dry soil, but a well-timed and well-drained water will promote growth. Soil permeability and drainage should help remove excess moisture to prevent waterlogging. Potted plants should be watered more frequently.

    Feeding Cortaderia

    Pampas grass can grow to a decent height, so it can require a lot of nutrients and a lot of water. The best fertilizer should contain phosphorus and potassium and nitrogen in equal proportions. There is no need to fertilize during the winter months. Do not fertilize for the first 45 days after planting the grass. Stop fertilizing completely after five years because the grass won't be able to use the added nutrients. nine0003

    Pruning

    The plant is pruned in February-March to prepare it for the new flowering season. Pruned non-overwintered foliage, flower stalks remaining from last season. In general, a comprehensive cleaning of the bush is carried out, clearing the space for new green growth. In order for the new shoots to have enough room to germinate, you should trim old stems regularly, especially if they are near new shoots. It also promotes better breathability and light transmission, which also promotes growth. It is recommended to prune up to 20 centimeters every spring. nine0003

    At the same time, the leaves should also be pruned in late spring. You must be careful when cutting as the leaves are sharp and can cause deep wounds. To do this, wear gloves before cutting. In the spring, complex feeding of Kortaderia is also carried out. For this purpose, complex, universal fertilizers are used.

    How to prepare Pampas grass for wintering

    In the last month of autumn, the leaves of the grass are tied with a tourniquet. Such manipulation allows you to stop the movement of water, juice in the leaves, make it easier for them to winter. Trimming of a part of sheet plates is also effective. The tops are cut to 40 cm length. To protect against freezing, the root system is mulched, covering with an abundant layer of straw, fallen leaves. nine0003

    It is not necessary to cover Cortaderia after the first frost, only when the temperature starts to drop to -10 C. Why not rush? Covered grass will not be able to get "tempered". You also need to understand that when warming under cover, Cortaderia may “rot out”, which, in turn, can lead to mold or disease.

    Pampas Grass Propagation

    Seeds can be collected from your plants and stored in plastic bags in a cool, dry place for the next planting. nine0003

    For faster results, you can use the tip of the pampas flower to propagate the plant. When the petals fall, the stem will remain. Cut it off. Fill a container with a mixture of half perlite and half peat moss. Let the cuttings root in indirect sunlight and water the soil regularly. After about two months, the cuttings should be ready for transplanting.

    Another method of reproduction is the division of the bush.

    Diseases and pests

    Pampas grass can suffer from a number of diseases, some of which are caused by minerals present in the soil. The use of fertilizers specially formulated for herbaceous plants will reduce the chance of contracting these diseases.

    Leaf spot is one of the most common diseases affecting Pampas Grass that you can treat yourself. This ailment kills the affected leaves, which can then become a home for pathogens. A brown, round spot will develop on the underside of the leaves, and if Cortaderia becomes infected, brown spots will spread across the foliage. nine0003

    To prevent this disease, apply a mixture of water and Fenarimol in equal parts to the plant. Be sure to spray the bottom of the leaves and the soil of the plant. Repeat this procedure once a week until the disease is gone, and try not to expose the plant to direct sunlight, as this will only prolong the disease.

    The best treatment for infection is an immediate transplant. If Pampas Grass has been in your garden for many years and you don't have another one like it, try transplanting the infected plant to a shady spot where it will be less exposed to the sun. nine0003

    Too much moisture can cause root rot. The disease can be recognized on the stems, become unstable and soft. The plant also decreases in density, the stems fold up and the density of the stems decreases. The only help is to dig the root ball out of the ground, cut off the rotting roots, and set the bush aside for a few hours to dry out. After that, transplant into a dry place or into a pot. In the next two to three weeks after transplanting, the plants should be watered only sparingly. nine0003

    Insect pests usually do not attack Cortaderia.

    Use of pampas grass in landscape design

    Due to its unusual appearance, it is used in European countries as an interesting decorative element in the design of the site. Cortaderia is a tall ornamental grass for large landscapes. A great example for decoration would be the use of pampas grass as a background plant for borders.

    Grass will be a good decoration of the lawn, garden paths, looks good in single plantings. nine0002 The stems of the plant are often cut and dried for use in indoor flower arrangements and other home decor options. Ideal plant for growing in containers. Dried flowers of Cortaderia are also widely used as elements of exotic bouquets. Cortaderia or pampas grass will be an excellent option for decorating a summer cottage.

    Best Companion Plants for Pampas Grass

    Cortaderia blends well with many other plants to create a stunning garden landscape. Some of them:

    • Bee Balm (Monarda)
    • Foxtail clover (Pennisetum alopecuroides)
    • Rudbeckia
    • Buenos Aires Verbena (Verbena bonariensis)
    • Knifofia

    Variety of pampas grass or Cortaderia

    There are many varieties of this plant, we will briefly describe several cultivated varieties.

    Cortaderia selloana ‘Aureolineata’

    Relatively short (2 m) plant. This variety has striped green leaves with bright yellow margins. Both ears and leaves are perfectly cut. nine0003

    In cold winter regions this variety can successfully overwinter in a closed container.

    Cortaderia Selloana Rosea

    Evergreen perennial Pampas grass with sharp, narrow, curved leaves and upright stems bearing vertical panicles of silky pink spikelets.

    This variety is smaller than the more common white varieties. A full-fledged plant can grow up to 2 m in height and up to 1 m in width. This is a more delicate plant than larger specimens. It is also less cold hardy. The flowers are large, the foliage is dark green. The leaves are sharp and tough, so gloves may be required when pruning. nine0003

    Cortaderia selloana 'Sunningdale Silver'

    It is a robust, evergreen herb that produces tufts of curved narrow dark green leaves up to 1.4 m long. up to 2.2 m in height.

    Patagonia Cortaderia

    This variety is especially beautiful with its cluster of blue-green leaves growing up to 1.2 m in height. The flower stalks, about 2 m high, bloom as early as August, which is much earlier than many other pampas grasses. nine0003

    Many flower spikes are beige and fade to creamy white. This variety is hardier, planted in full sun or partial shade and grows well in most soil types.

    How to Use Pampas Grass for Home Decor

    Lush, feathery and undeniably gorgeous, pampas grass has recently become one of the top ornamental plants for professional interior decorators. How do stylists and interior designers use Cortaderia?

    Dried flower bouquets and arrangements

    The problem with using fresh flowers is that they wither and die quickly, especially in winter and autumn. If you are tired of changing the flowers in your bouquet often, use Cortaderia instead.

    Bouquets of ears of corn will bring warmth and texture to any space, which is an essential element of its interior. Even a couple of stems of this herb paired with other dry plants will enhance the overall look of your room.

    Pampas grass in a floor vase

    Many owners have a large floor vase that is rarely filled with tall bouquets. A few hairy stems of Cortaderia planted in this vase will bring an herbal touch to your room decor.

    No matter where you place this vase, this herbaceous plant will give your room an attractive look. This will create a spectacular look and create an atmosphere of coziness and chic for a soothing environment.

    Using pampas grass as a wreath

    In Western countries, such wreaths are often used to decorate doors and walls for the New Year and other holidays. If you think wreaths are only for Christmas, you are wrong. Decorating your door with pampas grass or as a wall hanging in your room is a great way to celebrate the start of fall and the end of summer.

    Photo of a pampas grass wreath on the wall of a room (potterybarn.com)

    A handmade Cortaderia wreath also makes a great gift to give to your loved ones.

    Learn more