How to Grow Plumosa

Select the site for the plumosa. It needs well-drained soil that has been enriched with well-rotted manure or compost. It thrives in full sun to partial shade; whatever the location, it needs to be warm.

Plant the plumosa in a garden in late spring. Prepare the soil; this is essential for strong plants and large flowers. Till up the soil and add liberal amounts of manure or compost. Dig a hole that is twice as big as the root ball. Carefully remove the plant from the container it came in and place it in the hole. Fill the hole with soil and tamp down gently to remove air bubbles. Water to settle the soil.

Plant the plumosa in containers. Mix a slow-release fertilizer with a multi-purpose compost and fill the bottom of the container. Carefully remove the plant from the container it came in and place it in the hole. Fill the hole with soil and tamp down gently to remove air bubbles. Water to settle the soil.

Water regularly but do not over water--wet cold soil or compost can rot the roots. Feed plumosa once a month with liquid plant food.

Watch for plumosa to flower from early summer to early fall. It may be used as a cut flower. You can also cut some flowers and hang them upside down in a dry, airy place to use in a dried flower arrangement. Remove plants after the first frost of fall.