Care of Pampas Grass

General Care

• Pampas grass thrives in zones 7 to 11, but it can tolerate frost and freeze and will survive in colder climates. Pampas grass is not picky about the type of soil it grows in, though it should be well-draining soil, as pampas will not do well in soggy soil. Pampas is not generally bothered by harmful insects, pests or diseases. After the plant is established, it tolerates drought conditions remarkably well, and does not require fertilizer, but it will respond well to it. Should you choose to fertilize, select an evenly balanced blend (such as 6-6-6, 8-8-8 or 10-10-10).

Considerations

• The number one consideration when planting pampas grass is location. The plant can grow to be massive, not just in height, but in all directions. Therefore, placement of this ornamental grass needs to be where it can easily expand without interfering with other vegetation and buildings or block necessary visibility, as at the end of a driveway. Another consideration is that the leaves, or blades, of a pampas grass can be razor sharp and can cut if placed where foot traffic can brush against it.

Trimming and Pruning

• During its dormant period in the winter, you can prune pampas grass and cut back the brown and dead foliage. You can even cut it back as far as leaving only 2 feet of the grass and the plant will not be harmed and will grow back to its original size. Again, care needs to be taken when working around a pampas grass plant to avoid getting cut from its sharp blades.