Pampas grass bloom
A Guide for Flower Growers
How to Grow Pampas Grass: A Guide for Flower GrowersTeam Flower
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If you’re a cut flower grower or flower farmer, you’ve probably already noticed the growing popularity of using pampas grass in floral design and home decor. Are you wondering how to grow pampas grass, harvest it, and make money off it? If so, you’ve found the right resource!
(And if you’re a home gardener or flower fan who’s found your way here—welcome! You’re in good company. There’s great stuff in this article for home gardeners, too!)
Pampas grass wedding floral design and event decor has found its way all over Pinterest—and rightly so! (1)
You’ll find the following in this article:
Pros and cons to growing pampas grass
How to grow pampas grass
The best growing zones for pampas
Where to sell pampas grass
How to harvest and dry pampas grass—and how to store until purchased or shipped
Beautiful alternatives to pampas grass (when it’s hard to grow in your zone)
Should You Grow Pampas Grass (If You Can)?
Pampas grass has found its way all over Pinterest in wedding floral design and event decor, but it’s also popping up in everyday bouquets and home decor.
If you’re a cut flower grower (or even a micro flower farmer!), you might be wondering if you can get in on the pampas grass trend and earn additional revenue off this popular ornamental grass.
How can you provide this easy-to-grow popular cut plume to your market—and as soon as possible?
This grass can be challenging for floral designers to easily source due to its popularity. If you have the growing space (and even the drying and storage space) for this sought-after ornamental grass, you could earn additional revenue for your floral business.
This grass can be challenging for floral designers to source due to its popularity.
And if you’re a home gardener who has a ton of it, you may be able to earn a little extra gardening money in the late summer and fall by getting in contact with floral designers in your area ahead of the pampas-grass blooming season.
But growing pampas grass isn’t for everyone—and only you know what’s best for your farm, garden, and your local market.
Let’s dive into a quick list of some of the pros and cons!
Curious about growing flowers for market? Love to grow flowers but want to earn money doing so? Check out our online flower growing classes to learn how to make money growing and selling flowers.
Pros to Growing and Selling Pampas Grass
There are benefits to growing pampas grass to sell at market—let’s look into some of the pros below!
It’s a popular, on-trend floral product that’s not going away anytime soon.
It’s easy to grow and dry.
If you’re a flower farmer who already has floral design or wholesale clients, it’s likely your customers are also looking for pampas grass wholesale sources.
Depending on the availability in your area, you may be able to charge a premium.
Home decor enthusiasts are also seeking out dried pampas grass, so you may reach new markets.
If you have drying and storage space, you may be able to open up new revenue streams by selling dried pampas grass directly through sites like Etsy.
It’s resistant to many garden pests and requires low water.
Some varieties of pampas grass are sterile (non-seed producing), which can decrease or eliminate the unwanted spread of seeds.
Cons to Growing and Selling Pampas Grass
Growing pampas grass isn’t for every farmer or gardener. Below are some cons that you’ll need to think through before diving in.
Pampas grass is considered an invasive species in some areas, so you must check with the regulations in your state or country.
Pampas grass can get out of control, as it produces tons of seeds that can easily be blown throughout your property and grows to become quite large.
Growing this grass may be best left to those who have significant growing space. (It can get massive)
Containing may be difficult, and in some cases, may require regularly burning or intense pruning.
Removing pampas grass is labor-intensive if you decide to stop growing it.
Reducing the size or thinning out overgrown pampas grass is an extensive chore; it’s a huge plant with strong roots that requires significant labor to do so.
If you’re selling cut pampas grass, it requires extra storage and drying space.
The foliage of pampas grass is incredibly sharp! If you have young children at your residence or farm, you’ll want to grow it away from any play areas.
Again, only you know what’s right for your farm or garden!
Growing pampas grass in bulk may be best for those who have significant growing space. That way, the plant is cultivated away from other flower farming endeavors, having plenty of wiggle room to grow and reducing seed distribution in other growing spaces.
But if you know that growing this beloved ornamental is right for you, let’s move into some growing tips!
Pampas grass and dried florals stand out against a bright green backdrop.
(2)
How to Grow Pampas Grass
Pampas grass is easy to grow, but you’ll need to be strategic about where you plant it. While some varieties do well in containers (especially the dwarf varieties), you’ll need to plan out your growing space ahead of time if you’re growing the full-size plant in bulk for cut flower use.
Quick facts about growing pampas:
Pampas grass does best in growing zones 7-11; however, some hardy varieties can be successfully grown in zone 6.
The grass should be planted in full sun for best bloom yield results, but it can tolerate partial shade.
Pampas must be planted in well-drained soil.
For full-size pampas grass, you’ll need 6–8 feet between plants if you’re using them as a hedge (1).
If you don’t need a tight hedge and desire more space (especially for harvesting), plan on giving more room for optimum growth, spacing, and harvesting—possibly up to 14 feet (2).
If you’re growing pampas grass from seed, it will take 2 to 3 years until you receive a solid bloom yield, so plan accordingly.
Full-size pampas grass can grow up to 12 feet tall, so ensure you have correct and safe tools to harvest cut plumes (and possibly even a step ladder!)
Remember: Pampas grass is easy to grow, but be strategic about where you plant it. It needs lots of room!
Growing pampas grass from seed
Growing pampas grass from seed is simple, straightforward, and cost-effective, but it does take some patience.
Remember, if you start pampas grass from seed, you won’t have the fluffy plumes for 2 to 3 years.
Sow your pampas grass seeds in your growing medium in flats or trays.
Leave the seeds on the surface of your growing medium—don’t press them down into the soil or bury them.
Keep your tray of seeds moist—but not wet—and in a warm area (no less than 65 degrees F).
Pampas grass seeds need consistent light to germinate, so ensure your seeds are getting at least 6-8 hours of light a day.
Once the seeds sprout, you may need to transplant them individually into small containers until they mature further.
Once any risk of frost is over and the seedlings themselves are slightly grassy or bushy with some solid root development, you can move them into your garden or growing space, keeping the 6–14 feet spacing between plants in mind.
If you prefer to get growing right away, you can purchase more mature pampas grass plants for sale in one-gallon and three-gallon containers from many plant retailers and garden centers. These can be more expensive to start with; however, they may shorten your wait time for those beautiful pampas plumes.
Caring for pampas grass
Each year, pampas should be pruned and cut back close to the ground to encourage new, healthy growth.
Pampas grass care is simple: Each year, it should be pruned and cut back close to the ground to encourage new, healthy growth. Leave several inches of length behind, so your pampas grass plant looks like a little shrub that received a buzz cut!
Pruning should take place in late winter or early spring—and prune with care using the right tools and safety gear, as the blades of grass are sharp and can be prickly. Some gardeners even recommend a chainsaw for pruning due to the heartiness and thickness of the plant (3).
Harvesting Pampas Grass: Drying, Storing, and Selling
Pampas grass blooms in late summer and early fall. Depending on your growing zone and season, pampas grass may bloom (or maintain its blooms if not cut) throughout the winter.
To harvest pampas, simply snip the stalk of the plumes at your desired stem length. Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind before harvesting the plumes:
Harvest plumes before they mature and shed.
Cutting pampas grass soon after it blooms will reduce the shedding that comes with aging. Watch out for unexpected inhabitants. The bushy ornamental grass can be a haven for rodents, snakes, and more. Make sure it’s safe and that you’re in the clear before you start harvesting.
Remember, the grass is sharp! Wear long sleeves, gloves, and any other safety gear you may need.
Listen to your customers. Are you selling to floral designers who need the longest stems available for installations? Or are you okay to cut plumes shorter based on your market’s needs? Perhaps your goal is to harvest the stems as long as possible and let your customers decide the length.
If you plan on drying pampas grass plumes and storing them until they’re purchased or shipped, ensure you have a warm, dry place to dry. Spritzing the plumes with a light coat of cheap hairspray as needed during the drying process will keep them intact and help with preservation.
If you’re storing dried pampas for some time before fulfilling orders or using in design work, Team Flower Member Jennifer Parker recommends storing dried pampas grass in large garbage bags to keep it contained, minimizing the shedding mess. Simply fluff before shipping or taking to market and include instructions for the receiver on continued careful preservation.
Where to Sell Pampas Grass
If you’re growing and harvesting pampas grass to sell, there are several ways to get your cut pampas plumes to customers.
You can connect with Slow Flowers to join the site directory to be found by floral professionals and consumers looking for local flower growers.
You also can join the Team Flower Community (that’s us!) to be included in the directory. Many of our community members are looking for regular pampas grass wholesale resources!
Consider allowing others to carefully forage the grass from your property at a pay per stem rate.
You could also consider allowing floral designers, interior designers, and even pampas grass home decor lovers in your area to forage the grass at a pay per stem rate. (However, just make sure you have the proper insurance on your property in place and that everyone is wearing the appropriate safety gear, taking safety precautions, and using the correct harvesting equipment.)
You could also sell your fresh-harvested or dried pampas grass in places such as:
Etsy
eBay
Directly through your website (if you have the capability)
Local farmers’ markets in your area
Makers’ markets, art fairs, and other craft- and decor-centered local events
Floral wholesalers in your region
Check out our Growing and Selling Flowers for Market online class to equip yourself to sell your floral products confidently to your community!
Beautiful Substitutions for Pampas Grass
Despite pampas grass being easy to grow and requiring minimal care, perhaps you’ve decided it’s not the right choice for your flower farm or garden space.
But how can you take advantage of the fluffy, fun, and striking ornamental grass trend?
Consider adding other ornamental grasses or plants to your growing operations!
If growing pampas grass isn’t for you, you may want to consider adding other ornamental grasses or plants to your growing operations that provide a similar visual impact in floral designs and home decor.
While there is no alternative to pampas grass that is truly interchangeable (it’s in a league of its own!), some ideas are included below.
Finding a substitution for pampas grass can be difficult, but it isn’t impossible. (3)
Bunny grass (this has a different look than pampas, but it can give that bouncy, airy feel that your customers are searching for)
Wheat
Dried wild oats
Oriental feather grass
Muhly grass
Giant wildrye grass
Feather reed grass
African love grass
In addition, some dried and bleached cut palms and ferns can offer a similar look and may be a well-received offering by your cut flower customers.
This can be a great product to provide your clients if you have the space and operations to dry, bleach, and store cut botanicals.
For a more extensive list of pampas grass substitutes—including design and storage tips—read Where to Buy Pampas Grass Wholesale + Practical Design Tips for Floral Pros.
Is Growing Pampas Grass for You?
If you’re already growing cut flowers and are wondering if you should add pampas grass to your offerings, it can be easy to start doing so.
Currently, pampas grass is in high demand for weddings and events and in the floral design and home decor industries, so it’s a great time to start growing.
Pampas grass is in high demand for weddings, events, and in the floral design and home decor industries.
Just make sure you have suitable space and growing conditions before you begin! (And the patience to wait for those sought-after, fluffy plumes!)
Do you have a pampas grass growing tip or correction to this guide that you’d like to share? Contact us via the red chat button on the bottom right! We love hearing from our readers.
Photography Credit: Design by The Flora Club
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Where to Buy Pampas Grass Wholesale + Practical Design Tips for Floral Pros
Wonderful Pampas Grass - Learn How to Care for Pampas Grass
Last update: Home & Garden
Are you looking for ornamental grass - perfect for your garden? The choice is really wide, but pampas grass is considered one of the most decorative and durable plants.
It can withstand even in winter, when temperatures get low. If you are interested in one of the most popular plants of the recent years - check how to care for pampas grass, what conditions it needs and where you can use this perennial. Thanks to our tricks you can easily grow pampas grass in your own garden.
What is pampas grass?
Pampas grass (lat. Cortaderia selloana) is a bushy perennial originating in South America - mostly from prairies. The ornamental grass has large plumes - fluffy and eye-catching. The plant does not require special conditions. Pampas grass grows both in warm and cold regions.
As the professional sources claim, pampas grass is a declinous plant. It means that it has both male and female flowers - but they grow on separate spikes. The fluffy, decorative plumes are the female flowers - the plant is so popular all over the world because of them.
Pampas grass can be planted directly in the garden. They are often planted in pots as well, as decorative elements of private houses or public spaces. They look fantastic in hotel hallways with decorations referring to the natural environment.
Pampas grass, due to its durability, is a plant which can often be found in the wilderness. It grows well in damp soils, therefore it can be found often by the seaside.
Source:today.com/home/pampas-grass-how-use-interior-design-trend-your-home-decor-t134646The most popular pampas grass - species
There are many pampas grass species, differing by the appearance, size, and color. They also have various soil and growth requirements.
Weiser Fede with white plumes and Rendatleri _**- pink pampas grass are the most popular species. **_Sunningdale Silver is another interesting type with its silvery plumes.
Small, dwarf pampas grass species are quite rare. Evita and Pumila are the most commonly cultivated types. A mini version of the plant is often grown in households - the name is similar - Mini Pampas.
Source:gardeningchannel.com/pampas-grassHow does pampas grass grow and bloom?
Pampas grass grows similarly most of the time. They form tall, lush bunches and their leaves reach up to 2 meters of length. As many claim, the plant resembles a natural fountain - after reaching a certain height, the leaves slightly bend.
In moderate climate, pampas grass is the biggest attraction by the end of summer. This is when the fluffy clumps appear. Depending on the species, they can last up to the end of November or even beginning of December. A lot depends on the weather conditions, which change frequently in the recent times.
Pampas grass can bloom in various colors - usually, it’s white and beige.
Sometimes it’s pink - the flowers look very elegant. Pink pampas grass is typically more expensive. Regardless of the color, the fluffy clumps can reach up to half the meter - which is quite impressive.
What conditions does pampas grass require to grow in the garden?
Choosing the right spot for the plant is the basic issue for pampas grass cultivation. Although the plant does not require much, it needs:
- warmth,
- sunlight,
- protection from the wind.
Pampas grass - soil requirements
Ornamental grasses such as pampas grass love rich soils - full of humus, nutrients and slightly acidic. It’s very important for their proper growth. Hence, if the conditions in your garden do not meet those requirements, you need to fertilize the soil - especially in spring and summer, before the plant starts blooming.
Pampas grass should hibernate in a relatively dry soil. It greatly impacts its survivability. Low temperature and high humidity might destroy the roots and make them rot. Even small decrease in the temperature to 0°C (32 F) is very dangerous for the ornamental plant.
Source:gardenista.com/posts/gardening-101-pampas-grasses-cortaderia-selloana-perennials-plant-care-growing-tipsHow to care for pampas grass?
Pampas grass needs a proper amount of water during the phase of growth and blooming. Therefore, the most important element of its care is watering the perennial.
Clearing the weeds around the plant is another crucial aspect. Unfortunately, it might be difficult. The bushy perennial is quite thick, one needs to remove the unattractive plants on a regular basis to achieve the right results.
Be extra careful during the weeding process. Wear proper clothes and protective gloves. Pampas grass has very sharp leaves and it takes just a moment to get seriously injured.
When to plant pampas grass?
Pampas grass is very pleasant to plant. What does it mean? You can take it out of the pot and put in in the ground at any time expect from winter and the blooming season. In the moderate climate it’s between the beginning of April and the beginning of September.
It is recommended to plant pampass grass in spring after the last freezes. This way you can be sure that nothing will damage your garden decoration.
Source:flickr.com/photos/wonderlane/3113023024How to propagate pampas grass?
Propagating pampas grass at home is very difficult. It’s easy to harvest seeds after blooming, however they need to be specially stored, which is not always possible.
You should also keep in mind that at home, one can get male seeds of the plant. They are still beautiful but not as impressive as the female ones.
For this reason, many people give up this method and buy a seedling in a store.
Where to buy pampas grass?
Pampas grass can be bought in garden shops and plant nurseries. Because the perennial is quite a peculiar plant - not all places have it in their assortment. When buying a seedling, remember to learn its specific species and variety. Sometimes you can also see the country of origin. It is very useful information for further care of the plant. What’s more important - thanks to it, you can protect the pampas grass against pests and diseases.
Make sure to check the seedling’s condition and seek for possible damage when buying pampas grass. If you notice anything - it is advised to choose another plant, as a damaged one would not grow properly in your garden.
Source:sadowniczy.pl/product-pol-161983-Trawa-Pampasowa-Rose-Pluim-Cortaderia.
htmlYou can also decorate your garden with thuja trees, which are less demanding than pampas grass. If you don’t have any idea how to organize your garden and you are looking for an inspiration, check what garden shrubs to choose and how to take care of them. Decorate your garden with them.
How to use pampas grass at home?
Pampas grass is not only a brilliant decoration for the garden, but also for home. Dried plumes are often placed in vases. Despite its grandeur, this version of the plant is perfect for minimalistic interiors. It works very well with Boho style, and it can change the looks of the interior in an interesting way.
Source:pxfuel.com/en/free-photo-xpywk Source:robynstylecom.wordpress.com/2019/09/15/dyed-pampas-grassPampas grass - how to use it in wedding decoration?
Pampas grass is great for creating spectacular wedding decorations. The plant amazes couples from all over the world nad they often choose it as the main theme of the party.
Interestingly enough, this unusual addition can be used for more than just table decor. It’s perfect for a bridal bouquet arrangement. Especially considering the fact that pampas grass is available in various colors:
- white,
- beige,
- pink,
- purple.
Florists can also dye pampas grass in any color to match the celebration’s theme.
Source:today.com/home/pampas-grass-how-use-interior-design-trend-your-home-decor-t134646 Source:tinyvictories.co/pampas-grass-wedding-the-woodshed-vista Source:customhomegroup.com/blog/decorate-with-pampas-grass Source:whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com/acre-baja-weddingPampas grass - an increasingly popular photo shoot accessory
Pampas grass is not only a popular garden plant, but also a dry decoration one can use in many situations. Beautiful, typical for pampas grass plumes make a perfect prop for photo shoots. They are used not only by professional photographers, but also by influencers.
One can find many pictures with pampas grass being one of the main subjects. It’s a perfect complementation of many compositions.
Large dried plumes are particularly characteristic for interior design accounts, where Boho style is represented. But there are many options for using this plant. Find some inspirations below.
Source:makeitdesign.pl/trawa-pampasowa-jak-o-nia-dbac-i-jak-stylizowac Source:blogfp.com/a-baby-boomers-guidebook-to-gifting-when-mother-or-dad-live-in-assisted-living Source:ryolifestyle.com/products/pampas-grass Source:bobvila.com/slideshow/10-eye-popping-ways-to-decorate-with-pampas-grass-at-home-577938 Source:ontrendhome.com/the-little-deer📍 When does pampas grass bloom?
Pampas grass blooms in September in moderate climates. Because of various weather conditions it might happen earlier. Typically, the blooming season for pampas grass falls between September and November.
📍 How to grow pampas grass from seed?
If you have seeds, you can plant them in late autumn or early spring.
Choose a sunny spot, aerate the soil and spread the seeds, covering them with soil again. Water daily. Propagating pampas grass from seed might be difficult and sometimes it is better to buy seedlings in a shop.
📍 Where to buy pampas grass?
Garden shop should be your first step, although not every store has pampas grass in offer. You can also check plant nurseries or online shops.
Dorota Czerwińska Author
Dorota is an economist by profession, but her biggest hobby is photography and interior design. In Treehouse since the beginning of 2019.
Contact: [email protected]
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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
| 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
| 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.
Pampas grass (cortaderia) - planting and care. The best varieties
Among domestic gardeners, pampas grass (or cortaderia dioecious, Sello) - an interesting plant with an unusual name - is rapidly becoming fashionable. However, it is well known abroad and has been cultivated for more than one century.
Pampas grass was especially popular in Great Britain during the reign of Queen Victoria. Romantic, sophisticated Victorian gardens, suggesting a fusion of nature and man, were the best suited for planting this exotic plant. Since then, pampas grass has taken its rightful place in the landscape compositions of the estates of good old England.
Pampas grass came to Europe from South America, which is clear from the name. This plant was endemic (specific local species) of the pampas (pampas) - the steppe zone of the subtropics of the southeast of the South American continent with herbaceous cereal vegetation - until the German botanists Alexander von Humboldt and Friedrich Sello described and exported several specimens.
Since the narrow long leaves of the plant have a very sharp edge, cortaderia got its name from the Spanish word "cortar", which means "to cut". And one of the most common species, Cortaderia Sello, was named after Friedrich Sello.
Interestingly, in Brazil and other South American countries, Cortaderia has never been cultivated as an ornamental plant. Perhaps because it was already lacking in the wild. Some types of grass were used by South Americans for livestock feed, others as a basis for making paper. But, in general, in the homeland, the plant was considered and continues to be considered one of the most resistant weeds.
In areas with a favorable climate, pampas grass spreads at an alarming rate. Its seeds are dispersed by winds and germinate easily, occupying an increasing area in a short time and crowding out other species. The plant is capable of harming birds, which can injure themselves on the sharp edges of the leaves. In addition, in South America, dry pampas grass often causes fires. Due to these negative factors, in some places, for example, in California, New Zealand, Hawaii, the sale and cultivation of pampas grass is prohibited.
As with every dangerous weed, cortaderia is mercilessly fought in favorable places for growth - they are cut down, treated with pesticides, flower stalks are cut off before the seeds are laid.
[!] Cortaderia is not dangerous in the temperate and northern zones, because it does not spread at the same rate as in the homeland. In a harsh climate, pampas grass, as a rule, grows from the root, but there is practically no self-seeding.
According to the botanical classification, Cortaderia (lat. Cortaderia) is a genus of perennial herbaceous plants belonging to the Cereal family. And cortaderia is dioecious or Sello (lat. Cortaderia selloana), which, in fact, is called pampas grass - one of the species of the genus Cortaderia.
This large (up to 3 meters high) perennial is characterized by long narrow (typical for all cereals) leaves, which have a very sharp edge and tip. As they grow under their own weight, the leaves tend to the ground, curving in an arc. The average size of a single sheet is up to 2 meters in length, and a width of about a centimeter. The standard color of the leaves is cyan (bluish-green), however, there are varieties with silver or variegated (variegated) leaf color.
Small fluffy (female) and hairless (male) flowers are collected in dense paniculate inflorescences from 30 to 50 centimeters long in white, pink, cream and similar shades. During the peak of flowering (as a rule, the end of July - the beginning of November), panicles are extremely pubescent, which looks very decorative and spectacular.
The root system of pampas grass is very developed. The fact is that at home, in the pampas, the plant is forced to extract deep-lying water. To do this, he needs long branched roots.
In the wild, cortaderia grows in so-called curtains or tussocks (dense groups consisting of several specimens). Approximately the same should be planted pampas grass in culture. In addition, at home, Cortaderia is an evergreen genus, and in more northern latitudes, it loses leaves during frosts and grows again in the spring.
The best types and varieties of pampas grass
As mentioned above, only one type of cortaderia is used for horticultural cultivation - dioecious (Sello). Over time, this species has become the ancestor of many decorative varieties that look very impressive.
Among the best varieties of pampas grass are the following.
Creamy, yellowish and silvery pampas grass:
There are many varieties of Cortaderia with delicate, close to natural color of inflorescences - ocher, white, cream.
- "Monstrosa" (Monstrosa) - as the name implies, among others, the variety is distinguished by especially large sizes of both the whole plant and individual parts. The color of dense paniculate inflorescences is creamy silver. The average height is 1.5 meters, the maximum is 2.5 meters.
- "Sunningdale Silver" (Sunningdale silver, Silver in the sunny valley) is a fairly large (up to 2 meters) plant with narrow dark green leaves and creamy white flowers.
- "Splendid Star" (Splendid Star, Beautiful Star) - a low (up to 1.5 meters) variety with yellowish-silver panicles.
- "Albolineata" (Albolineata) - a compact variety of pampas grass, the leaves of which have longitudinal silver stripes along the edge. The shade of the inflorescences is cream.
- "Evita" (Evita) - a miniature, in comparison with the rest, variety, decorated with silver-yellow inflorescences. Differs in early flowering, which can begin as early as the end of June.
- "Patagonia" (Patagonia) - blooms late, but looks great in the late autumn landscape.
The color of the flowers is silver-cream. - "Pumila" (Pumila) - a plant with wide spreading panicles of yellowish-cream color. Medium-high variety, reaching 1.5 meters.
- "Wnite Feather" (White Feather) - magnificent large inflorescences, white with a creamy tint in the middle and dense bright green leaves.
Pink pampas grass:
The pink color of pampas grass is almost never found in nature. This shade is the result of a long selection of the plant.
- 'Pink Feather' - panicle inflorescences have a complex brownish-pink hue.
- "Highfield Pink" (Highfield pink, Pink fields) - this variety is decorated with pink silver nuance flowers. Sometimes the inflorescences have a delicate yellowish tint. The plant is especially large and can reach 4 meters in height.
- "Rendatleri" (Rendatleri) - high (up to 3.5 meters) variety with fairly bright pink inflorescences.
- "Rosea" (Rosea) - a spectacular large (about 2 meters) plant with sprawling pale pink pubescent panicles and blue-green leaves.
Kortaderia in landscape design. Dried flowers
Pampas grass looks unusually impressive in herbal compositions. Her high spreading panicles, similar to the feathers of luxurious exotic birds, moving after the gusts of wind, set in a romantic and calming mood.
Pampas grass is good both singly (more precisely, in a group of several single-species curtains), and in combination with other representatives of the kingdom of Flora. Since the height of the cortaderia is very significant, in the flower bed it is usually used as a tapeworm (composition center) for smaller plants. However, nothing prevents planting pampas grass next to shrubs or even trees. Its airy inflorescences and thin foliage will perfectly shade denser greens.
Professional gardeners advise planting pampas grass next to various species of yucca that are zoned to the middle lane.
Leathery juicy leaves and a large inflorescence of yucca will be perfectly shaded by airy cortaderia. Another suitable companion is the perennial grass miscanthus. Since miscanthus is a bit like pampas grass (elongated leaves, creamy panicle inflorescences), such a composition will be good in nuances.
In warmer regions, where the pampas grass remains evergreen, the plant is often planted as a hedge, but in the temperate zone such a green enclosure will require too much care, so it is not practical to arrange it.
Pampas grass is excellent for making dried flowers in any climate. Drying, it almost does not lose color, does not fall apart and looks great both in vases and in wall panels.
Pampas grass - planting and care
Pampas grass has gained fame among European gardeners as an undemanding perennial.
It is believed that the plant quickly adapts to various conditions, whether it be humidity, soil type or lighting. At the same time, many domestic flower growers fail when growing pampas grass.
Indeed, cortaderia is a plant of the South American steppes, which means that it is not very well adapted to a temperate climate. However, knowing some of the subtleties of growing pampas grass and showing perseverance, it is quite possible to cultivate an overseas guest in our gardens.
Let's look at the main nuances of growing this exotic guest.
Propagation and planting
Cortaderia is generally propagated in three ways:
- by seed,
- cuttings,
- dividing the bush.
The most difficult and longest way to propagate pampas grass is the first one, by seeds.
Planting Pampas Grass Seeds
Cortaderia seeds cannot be harvested from the mother plant in our climate as they do not ripen, but they can be purchased from the store. But even here the gardener may have several problems.
First of all, the seeds do not germinate well. But even those specimens that have ascended require the most careful care before landing in open ground.
If difficulties do not scare you, below is the technology for germinating and planting pampas grass seeds.
Seeds are sown in late February - early March. Before planting, you should prepare a container for planting, fill it with soil (garden soil, half mixed with sand) and moisten. Seeds must be mixed with a handful of soil, and then scattered over the surface of the container. From time to time, the earth is carefully, avoiding overflow, moistened from a fine spray gun.
In order for the seeds to sprout, the temperature in the room must be at least 23°C, and after germination (after 2-3 weeks), it is desirable to organize additional lighting for them. When the seedlings get stronger, they should be picked up and planted in separate containers. In the first year, pampas grass, as a rule, is not tolerated in the open ground, but only taken out into the fresh air on warm days. In the same pots, seedlings overwinter and only in the second year, at the end of May, seedlings can be carefully transferred to a permanent place of residence.
[!] Flowering of pampas grass obtained from seeds occurs 3-5 years after planting.
Cuttings and division of pampas grass
Cortaderia cuttings are less troublesome than planting with seeds, but there are some nuances here. First, the mother bush must be mature (well grown) and healthy. Secondly, the best time for pampas grass cuttings is mid-summer, before flowering begins. It is best to take a root cutting with a piece of root (heel) and plant it in a separate container. In the first year, it is advisable to leave it in the same container and let it winter in a relatively warm place. It is necessary to plant a grown cutting in the second year, after the establishment of warm weather.
Dividing is the easiest and least labor intensive propagation of pampas grass. As well as cuttings, it is necessary to divide the cortaderia in the middle of summer, before the appearance of peduncles. For division, an adult healthy plant is taken..jpg)
It is carefully dug out, trying not to damage the roots, and then, without shaking off the ground, the rhizome is cut into two or three parts. The resulting delenki can be planted immediately in open ground - in a prepared (well-moistened) planting pit.
Location, soil, top dressing, watering, pruning
Since pampas grass is native to the south, it should be planted in well-lit areas. The more sun, the better. In the shade and partial shade, the cortaderia will wither away and certainly will not bloom luxuriantly and please the eye. In addition, the place for the landing of the cortaderia must be sheltered from the winds. Young plants with immature rhizomes are especially badly tolerated by sharp gusts of wind. Pampas grass should not be planted along the banks of water bodies or in areas where the groundwater level is too high. A plant native to the dry steppe will not be able to take root in wet soil.
The best option for planting pampas grass is a sunny clearing, surrounded and protected around the perimeter by higher representatives of the kingdom of Flora.
The soil most suitable for an exotic foreign guest should be, on the one hand, nutritious, and on the other hand, light, water and breathable. The worst option is heavy loam, the best is humus mixed with sand in a ratio of 1:3. In the soil intended for growing pampas grass, in no case should water stagnate, otherwise the root will quickly rot and the plant itself will die.
Moderation is key when fertilizing and watering pampas grass. The plant does not need excessive moisture, so it should not be watered often. And on rainy or cool days, watering should be completely excluded. Remember, from stagnation and an excess of water, the plant will not only stop blooming, but may also die. For cortaderia, moisture is especially destructive in combination with cold.
The same can be said about top dressing. If the soil is rich in nutrients, fertilizer is not required. Otherwise, in spring and autumn, you can feed the plant with standard universal fertilizers.
Wintering of pampas grass
One of the main factors of health and survival of pampas grass in the middle lane is the correct wintering of the plant.
Organizing it is not easy.
It is believed that the maximum temperature that cortaderia can withstand in winter is -25°C. In regions where the temperature drops even lower in winter, the pampas grass must be dug up and put into the basement. Moreover, the basement must be dry, otherwise the plant will die due to high humidity.
[!] There is no need to trim the pampas grass before wintering at all or minimally (about 50 centimeters from the ground). Its dry leaves will serve as additional protection. Sanitary pruning of dead wood should be carried out only in the spring, before the start of active vegetation.
Where winters are not so cold, a simple shelter can be enough. For these purposes, coniferous spruce branches or dry mowed grass are perfect. To protect the plant from frost, pampas grass leaves are tied in a sheaf, which is covered with covering material on top or gently bent to the ground. It is especially important to cover young, recently planted specimens.
Older plants or those that grow in the south of our country are most often able to winter without shelter.
Diseases and pests
Pampas grass is not afraid of diseases, but it can suffer due to waterlogging combined with low temperatures. It is not easy to save the affected cortaderia. In order to destroy pathogenic microorganisms, damaged parts of the plant should be removed, and then treated with fungicides.
As for pests, they are few. Most often in summer, wasps find shelter in dense thickets of grass; in winter, mice can choose a warm dense curtain. As a rule, both those and others do not pose a danger to the plant.
Problems and questions when growing cortaderia
What to do with dry leaves of mature pampas grass that appear in the center? They can be removed, but this should be done in early spring, before the start of the growing season. It is not worth cutting dried leaves in the summer, as the plant can get sick, and in the fall they will be useful for sheltering the cortaderia.
Pampas grass leaves have dried tips. Do they need to be cut?
If this happens in summer or autumn, it is better not to touch the plant, as there is a risk of damage to it. Pampas grass should be left until spring, and in the spring, after dry warm weather is established, remove dried leaves.
Cortaderia produces many green shoots, but flower stalks do not appear. How to make pampas grass bloom?
First, you need to take into account that pampas grass does not bloom immediately, but only in the 3-5th year after planting in open ground. Secondly, you need to check in what conditions it grows, whether there is enough sun and whether there is an excess of moisture. If the soil is too rich, and fertilizers are used uncontrollably, the plant begins to "fatten" - it grows foliage at the expense of flowering. In this case, you need to dilute the top layer of soil with sand and stop using top dressing.
My pampas grass flowers don't look like the ones in the pictures.
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