Information for Growing Pampas Grass

Size

• Pampas grass has a mature height of up to 12 feet with a spread of about 6 feet. The narrow grass blades are ½ to ¾ inches wide and grow in the form of thick, fountainlike clumps. Pampas grass' main attraction is the large, feathery, white, summer-blooming flowers referred to as plumes that appear a foot above the foliage. The plumes stay on plants well into the winter and turn golden brown at the first frost.

Soil

• The grass adapts well to nearly all types of well-draining soils including the sandy soils in coastal gardens. Soil drainage is especially important during the fall and winter's rainy weather. Growth is optimal in sandy loam. Amend the planting site with organic material, such as processed manure, peat moss or compost. Planting in wet, poorly draining soil reduces number of plumes. Overwatering also results in fewer plumes and excessive foliage.

Planting Suggestions

• Start pampas grass with healthy nursery transplants located in weed-free beds during the spring. If starting with container-grown plants, plant them anytime during the summer. Plant pampas grass at the same depth at which it was growing in containers. Avoid planting very deeply, as this can kill the grass. Water the grass well after planting to establish new plants. Once established, pampas grass has minimal water requirements.

Maintenance

• Let the plumes persist on plants through the winter and remove them in the early spring. Although the grass is evergreen in nature, the foliage is often freeze damaged or becomes discolored. Cut down unattractive plants to nearly ground level during mid-February. Apply a regular lawn fertilizer to plants after cutting them down. Avoid planting pampas grass along areas of regular traffic, as the sharp leaves cut hands easily. Pampas grass is highly drought tolerant and few disease- or pest-related problems.