Pampas grass can be planted from spring until the first ground frosts in winter. A permeable substrate is important to avoid waterlogging. When planting in a pot, care should be taken to ensure there is sufficient volume so that the roots can spread and the flowers can form.
When and how should you plant pampas grass?
Pampas grass should be planted in spring or fall, ideally in a sunny location. When planting in the bed, a distance of at least one meter from other plants must be maintained. For container planting, a pot with at least 40 liters volume and a drainage layer is recommended.
How to plant pampas grass?
Pampas grass is planted in a sunny place in spring or autumn with an addition of compost. A distance of one meter is maintained from other plants. When planting in a container, the pot should be at least 40 liters large, contain a drainage layer and be filled with a layer of sand and soil.
Planting pampas grass
The basis for he althy height growth and the formation of distinctive flower spikes is the correct planting of pampas grass. In addition to the correct time, the location and the planting distance also play a crucial role. You can find out what special features arise with potted plants in the following section.
When to plant pampas grass?
The ideal time for planting pampas grass isspring or early summerWhether this is the first planting or a transplant is irrelevant. With the end of the frost periodafter the Ice Saints work can begin without hesitation.
Early planting should be avoided in view of the winter hardiness that is just developing. For comprehensive frost protection, the ornamental grass needs good rooting, which requires several months of growth. You should avoid planting and transplanting in the fall. At this time, the pampas grass is already at the end of its growing season and will hardly develop any new root strands.
Planting pampas grass
Regardless of the cultivation form, there are some important tips to consider before planting. The first few months after planting in particular determine whether the pampas grass will thrive in its new environment. In addition, only the correct approach to the roots ensures extensive winter protection over the frost period.
It is therefore recommended in advance:
- Soak the root ball thoroughly in a bucket
- Bucket: Minimum depth of 45 centimeters, soil diameter at least twice as wide as the rootstock,
- Beet: Hole depth of at least 45 centimeters, hole diameter at least twice as wide as the rootstock
Beet
The preparation of the future planting site is essential for the later growth of the grass. The even drainage of irrigation and rainwater is also of crucial importance for bedding plants in order to prevent rotting.
- Dig the planting hole according to the above key data
- Store excavated sideways
- Create a 10 to 15 centimeter high layer of gravel or expanded clay as drainage
- Place the seedling in the middle of the hole
- mix the excavated earth with sand and fill it in
- alternatively use special grass soil for backfilling
- Tread young plants well
The additional insertion of a wooden stick to stabilize the pampas grass is usually not necessary. By stepping firmly to complete the work, the necessary stability is created.
Bucket
Similar to building the planting hole, appropriate preparation of the pot is also required. This is primarily to avoid waterlogging, which is dangerous for the grass and can lead to the death of the entire plant. TheMinimum filling volumeof the pot should be40 liters to enable appropriate growth.
- Select pots according to plant size
- also fill in a 10 to 15 centimeter high layer of gravel or expanded clay
- Place the sprout in the middle of the container
- Fill the bucket with grass soil
- Press the seedling firmly
The bamboo and grass soil (€18.00 at Amazon) from frux is very suitable for planting ornamental grasses in beds and pots due to the natural clay it contains. In addition, the materials contained ensure an even release of moisture and nutrients. This prevents over- or under-fertilization of the crop and prevents dangerous waterlogging from occurring.
Planting spacing
Due to the dense root branches that pampas grass forms, a sufficient planting distance from other plants must be maintained. This applies to other grasses as well as alien plants and flowers.
For small-growing varieties, we recommend adistance of at least one meter from other plants, and for large-growing species even at least 1.3 meters. A distance that is too short will limit the growth of your pampas grass and also lead to reduced flower formation. Additional suggestions for planting spacing can be found in the linked article.
Location
Pampas grass originally comes from South America and can be found in the tropical zones. Accordingly, the selected location should be in asunny spot. Ideally, a southern orientation is ideal for both bedding and potted plants. In addition, you should ensure that you have adequate protection from weather influences such as wind and rain. These bend the delicate stalks even if they are moderately strong. The individual stems are then no longer able to stand up again on their own.
If the location is too shady, for example in a north or east orientation, the grass responds with stunted growth and a lack of flower fronds. As a result, the plant's immune system becomes weakened and is therefore significantly more susceptible to further diseases. If your pampas grass does not shine in the desired splendor, this may be due to an unsuitable planting or location.
Pampas grass roots in pots and beds
Pampas grass is characterized not only by its fronds but also by its roots. In addition to providing moisture and nutrients, it ensures that the grass sprouts again every spring. Perennial plants like to spread their roots like clumps up to one meter in width and depth. Large-growing species in particular ensure the necessary stability of the plant through a wide root system.
Specimens transplanted into pots are externally restricted in their root growth, so that the grass cannot thrive completely unhindered. The growth of the roots correlates directly with the height growth of the pampas grass. A plant pot that is too small also leads to reduced growth. You can find more tips on caring for the roots of potted plants here.
Care after planting
Planting Cortaderia sellonana correctly is the first step towards magnificent growth. Following this, the care of ornamental grass becomes increasingly important. In addition to species-appropriate watering and fertilization, regular trimming is also a common task.
Pouring
The ornamental grass prefers even watering and tolerates both prolonged dryness and moisture very poorly. An unbalanced fluid balance leads to additional stress, which weakens the plant's own immune system.
A finger test is recommended to determine the moisture content of the substrate. This involves sticking a finger around three centimeters deep into the soil. If the soil is already completely dry at this depth, irrigation is necessary. If the substrate remains wet and sticks to your finger, the plant still has enough liquid available.
The water requirement differs depending on the form of cultivation and weather conditions. While potted plants have to be watered frequently, especially in summer, due to the limited space available, bedding plants can almost support themselves via their roots in mild temperatures. Additional guidance on appropriate watering can be found here.
Fertilize
Pampas grass is a heavy feeder and therefore requires a constant amount of nutrients throughout the entire growth period. In practice, the administration of a complete organic fertilizer that contains all the necessary minerals has proven to be effective. This includes, among other things,horn shavings and compostIn addition to providing trace elements, the organic fertilizer also promotes the quality of the soil by enriching it with beneficial organisms. In addition, procurement or production is significantly more cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
The selected material is distributed around the plant during fertilization and then worked into the substrate using a spade and a rake. In order to keep the nutrient density at a consistently high level, fertilization should be carried out on a monthly basis between May and October. You can find further tips on fertilizing beds and containers here.
Cutting
Compared to many other plants, pampas grass forms a clump from which new growth occurs every year. Aregular pruningof the old shoots is absolutely necessary. Thinning out creates new open spaces for the next generation of shoots. The grass is cut in clumps with secateurs or a sickle to a height ofapprox. 20 centimeters shortened. You should avoid using electronic scissors. This leads to unsightly fraying at the interfaces.
The optimal time for pruning isearly spring Due to the late flowering of the ornamental grass, no new shoots have usually formed between March and May that could potentially be injured could become. Another advantage of pruning in spring is the natural frost protection of the plant heart. The densely arranged stalks keep out both cold and moisture. At particularly icy temperatures of < -20 degrees Celsius, special protection is still recommended.
How big does pampas grass get?
The maximum growth height of pampas grass results from the variety chosen. An ornamental grass of the dwarf varieties will never reach a height of two meters. The larger the pampas grass can theoretically become, the more open space should be. When choosing the variety that is right for you, you should therefore keep the available space in mind. Further information can be found here. Only a sufficient planting distance from other plants or a sufficiently large plant pot enables species-appropriate growth in your garden.
In addition to the species below, you can find other popular varieties here.
Dwarf or mini pampas grass: Dwarf or mini pampas grasses grow to a maximum height of one meter. The most popular varieties include Silver Mini (silver inflorescences), Mini Goldpampas (golden inflorescences) and Tiny Pampa (white inflorescences).
Medium-tall pampas grass: Medium-tall pampas grass is the name given to those varieties that have a height of between 80 and 150 centimeters. The most common species include Pumila (white inflorescences), Patagonia (red inflorescences), Compacta (white inflorescences) and Evita (light yellow inflorescences).
Tall pampas grass: The tall pampas grasses grow between 150 and 200 centimeters tall and therefore require a lot of space in width. The best-known large-growing varieties include Rosea (pink inflorescences), Sunningdale Silver (silver inflorescences), Citaro (yellow inflorescences) and Silver Comet (light yellow inflorescences).
FAQ
How big does pampas grass get?
The maximum growth height of Cortaderia selloana depends on the variety selected. While a plant of the mini pampas grass genus will usually not exceed a height of one meter, plants of the tall species grow to be at least 1.5 meters high. Therefore, when purchasing, pay attention to the size of the ornamental grass you want to achieve.
Which location is suitable for pampas grass?
Pampas grass prefers a sunny and warm location. This should also be protected from weather influences such as wind and rain. In addition, ensure there is sufficient planting distance from other plants.
How deep should pampas grass be planted?
The planting hole or pot should have a minimum depth of 45 centimeters. The roots of Cortaderia sellonana predominantly grow deep, which is why adequate space is essential for it to thrive.
Which soil is suitable for pampas grass?
The substrate used should have a permeable, but at the same time humus and nutrient-rich structure. You can make your own substrate from regular soil mixed with sand. In practice, however, the use of a special grass soil has proven successful. This already has the correct structure and all the required nutrients.
When to plant pampas grass?
The optimal time to plant pampas grass is late spring. When the frost period ends in May, the ornamental grass can be planted outside. By winter, the plant is able to build up appropriate winter hardiness on its own. Spring is also recommended for any necessary transplants.
How to plant pampas grass?
First, the planting hole or bucket should be filled with a drainage layer of 10 to 15 centimeters of gravel or expanded clay. The seedling is then placed in the middle and surrounded with soil. Finally, this is pressed or kicked firmly to maintain the necessary stability.