Grow Pampas Grass
Pampas grass has made its way onto the invasive weed list in California and been completely banned in New Zealand and Hawaii due to its ability to thrive and take over an area. However, many people in other locations use this ornamental grass with large plume-like flowers to decorate their yards, gardens and pool areas. Learning how to grow pampas grass is the key to controlling it.
Steps
- Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. Locations receiving at least 6 hours of sunlight daily are best for maximum growth.
- Keep in mind that the grass can grow to be over 10 feet (3 m) tall. You will want to choose a location with a lot of room for growth.
- Stay away from areas where children play due to the sharp edges of the pampas grass leaves.
- Prepare the soil where you intend to plant the grass.
- Pampas grass enjoys well-drained fertile soil.
- Add an organic compost, peat moss or manure to the soil.
- Dig a hole with a shovel for planting the pampas grass in the late spring.
- The hole should be around 15 inches (38 cm) deep and about 17 inches (43 cm) wide for planting a gallon container of pampas grass.
- Place holes at least 6 feet (1.8 m) apart if planting multiple clumps of pampas grass.
- Spread the roots apart by hand before positioning the plant into the hole.
- Backfill the dirt around the plant. You can add sand to the soil if your chosen area does not drain well.
- Water the ornamental grass only 1 time every couple of weeks for the first year of growth. Water more frequently during periods of extreme drought. No watering is needed after the plant is well established.
- Fertilize the grass with a high-quality garden fertilizer once per year to enhance the beauty of the flowers.
- Prune established pampas grass clumps with trimmers in the late winter or early spring months.
- Cut through the clumps after pruning to divide them. The sliced clump can then be planted elsewhere.
- Tie the leaves of the grass together with string in November to allow water to drain from the plant. This will prevent shock during the cold months.
- The plant can also be covered with a fleece warp.
- Cover the roots of the pampas grass with straw or mulch before frost season.
Tips
- Be careful and wear long sleeves and gloves when pruning and handling your pampas grass plants.
Warnings
- Do not place pampas grass near roadways or driveways. The tall and bushy grass can interfere with lines of sight. The plant should also not be placed too close to central air conditioning units where the long leaves can become caught in the fans.
Things You'll Need
- Organic compost, peat moss or manure
- Shovel
- Gallon of pampas grass
- Sand
- Water
- Fertilizer
- Trimmers
- String
- Fleece Wrap
- Mulch or straw
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