Basically, you can care for pampas grass in a bucket and place it on the balcony if it is large enough and can support the weight of the bucket. If the balcony is also used by children and pets, it is better to avoid the decorative ornamental grass.
Can I keep pampas grass in a pot on the balcony?
Pampas grass can be cultivated in a pot on the balcony as long as there is enough space, sunlight and protection from wind. Choose a container of at least 40 liters, water and fertilize regularly and cut the grass in spring. Be careful of sharp-edged leaves around children and pets.
Pampas grass needs a lot of space
In the pot, pampas grass doesn't grow quite as tall as it does outdoors. The reason for this is the restriction caused by the pot, as the clump of pampas grass cannot spread as well.
Nevertheless, the grasses can reach a remarkable 2.50 meters on the balcony.
On a very narrow balcony or when children and pets are on it, caring for pampas grass is not recommended because of the sharp-edged leaves.
The right location
Pampas grass likes it sunny and warm. South-facing balconies are therefore particularly suitable for growing pampas grass. Under ideal conditions, pampas grass can serve as a privacy screen.
However, you should ensure a location protected from the wind, as the long fronds quickly break in strong gusts of wind.
How to care for pampas grass on the balcony
- Pouring
- Fertilize
- Cutting
- Wintering
The bucket for the pampas grass should hold at least 40 liters. Make sure that there are enough drainage holes, because pampas grass cannot tolerate waterlogging at all.
We water moderately but regularly. At least once a month, fertilize the plant with liquid fertilizer for ornamental grasses (€19.00 on Amazon). It's even better if you fertilize with compost from the garden.
Pampas grass, like in the open field, is only cut once on the balcony, ideally in spring. You should not cut the grass in autumn.
Overwinter pampas grass on the balcony
Pampas grass is conditionally hardy. The only thing that is dangerous is the wetness, which causes the nest to rot. That's why the bunches of pampas grass in the garden are tied up as soon as winter approaches. This is not absolutely necessary on a covered balcony.
To overwinter pampas grass in a pot, place it on an insulating surface and cover it with foil. A cool winter garden is also a good place to spend the winter.
Tip
Pampas grass is not poisonous. The only danger is the sharp leaves, which, depending on the species, have small barbs. This poses an increased risk of injury to children, animals and inexperienced visitors.
