Pampas grass refers to one of many beautiful ornamental grasses. It happens to be popular in many different locales. The fluffy plumes that pop up in the late summer season make the foliage very appealing to have in your garden. They’re so easy to grow in the right conditions that you may have a harder time getting rid of them than you did to get them started in the first place. It’s good to know what you’re signing up for when the journey is starting, so you won’t be too surprised to see how it turns out.
Many people jump at the chance to plant pampas grass because it looks nice. Unfortunately, many of them find out the grass is hardy and grows very fast the hard way. It’s one of the taller ornamental grasses, as it can grow between 6 feet tall and 10 feet tall. This applies to how long and wide the plants are.
Where Can Pampas Grass (Cortaderia Selloana) Grow?
Whatever conditions you choose need to be conducive to the grass’s growth in a few different ways. First, you need to ensure that your pampas grass has enough room to grow after you plant it. Most information out there indicates that you need to have large spaces between each plant if you’re mass planting the ornamental grass in mass. The best layout to use is to place the plants between 6 feet and 8 feet apart.
Full sun exposure is what pampas grass prefers. While they like the full sun, they can also tolerate partial shade as they can be grown without all the natural light. As far as soil types go, moist and well-drained soil goes. Even with all these requirements, your plumes are anything but delicate. Salt sprays, wind, and drought conditions aren’t going to be detrimental to growing your foliage. This property is what makes pampas grass suited for you to plant along coastal regions.
In Which Zones Can These Full Sun Loving Plants Grow?
These hardy perennial options have several hardiness zone alternatives. It’s hardy in USDA zones 7-11. However, you can go beyond the USDA zone 7 lower limit if the area is well protected. If so, USDA zone 6 is also somewhere that’s conducive to planting pampas grass.
Unless you’re growing the seed of pampas grass in pots, cold regions cannot work. During late winter, for example, they can’t be out back in your garden. You would need to be able to bring the plants indoors until early spring.
That’s sometimes easier said than done. When you have a plant that’s 7 feet or 10 feet tall, finding spacious areas inside is not the easiest thing in the world.
Pampas Grass Care
When your pampas grass grows to the point of being established, the care requirements become very minimal. It’s good to water it in areas where extreme summer or drought conditions are present, but that’s about it. Pruning your pampas grass to the ground each year is also recommended. You can do this during early spring or late winter.
Even if you’re growing the grass as a specimen plant, you’re going to find that It stands up well to many things that may be detrimental for another plant. For example, it’s deer-resistant, pest-resistant, and stands up well to almost any season. Winter can be a temporary problem, but summer, spring, and fall are all seasons in which it thrives.
If you’re putting this plant in your garden, consider planting it early in spring. The growing season is during the summer. If you do your planting during fall or winter, you can impede the potential growth during the next summer.
How Do You Propagate Pampas Grass?
Most information suggests that you propagate the grass during the spring via division. The male and female plumes are found on different plants. The female plants tend to be grown more often than their male counterparts where flower appearance is concerned. They take a more attractive form with fuller plumes present. Male pampas grass in a garden does not feature such a quality with their flowers.
Pampas Grass Colors
Pampas grass helps you to break away from the standard green color. While the long stems are green, the plumes in the garden can have various colors, These range from silvery-white to sand-pink. The pink variations are especially beautiful and sought after.
Check out my guide to the Types and Varieties of Pampas Grass
Pampas Grass FAQs
Where does pampas grass grow in the US?
Pampas grass is native to South America, but it is now found in many parts of the world, including the United States. It grows in warmer regions of the country, such as California, Texas, Florida, and parts of the southeastern states. It can also be found in some areas of the Southwest and West Coast. Pampas grass prefers full sun and well-draining soil, which is why it is commonly found in coastal areas and dunes.
How Often Do I Need to Water My Pampas Grass?
This is a very hardy plant. The said hardy nature means you don’t need to worry about maintaining moist soil conditions for your large foliage to remain aesthetically pleasing. You need only water the grass when conditions become dought-like or dry.
What Are the Recommended Zones for Growth?
According to the available information, these grasses are best grown in areas that fall under the umbrella of zones 7-11. Zone 8 or Zone 9 make a great mid-point here. While not ideal, you can grow these hardy plants in well-protected zone 6 locales.
Why Is Pampas Grass Illegal?
Why would something so popular with such beautiful pink and white colors be illegal? The classification is due in large part to the growth nature of such hardy grasses. It bears many similarities with the most aggressive of weeds, and not even its beautiful flowers can change that. Note that you don’t need to back out of planting them if you like them, depending on where you live. There are some areas in which having and growing pampas grass are perfectly legal.
Can I Order Pampas Grass for Myself?
If you want to order some of the best pampas grass available via internet means, you can do so on Amazon. For example, look at this pink decorative option.
What Basic Things Should I Remember Before Planting Pampas Grass Myself?
Knowing things, such as where does pampas grass grow, soil conditions (well-drained), clearance requirements, etc., can go a long way in preparing you for setting up your pampas grass garden. Additionally, plant them in a place where the aggressive nature isn’t going to be too much of a problem for you to handle.