Pampas grass is valued not only for its rapid growth, but also for the decorative flower fronds it produces in summer and autumn. Of course, there is great disappointment if the flowers don't bloom. What's the reason why pampas grass doesn't form fronds?
Why doesn't my pampas grass form fronds?
If pampas grass does not form fronds, this may be due to late flowering, gender, shady location, incorrect care or a container that is too small. Optimal care and sufficient space promote the flowering of the ornamental grass.
The flowering period starts late
Several years pass before the first fronds appear on the pampas grass.
How fast does ornamental grass grow, when does pampas grass bloom and what to do if your pampas grass doesn't bloom?
Pampas grass does not bloom until July or August, and for some types of pampas grass the fronds do not form until autumn. If the ornamental grass does not have any fronds in spring and summer, this is completely normal.
Male pampas grass hardly blooms
The male specimens of pampas grass produce few or no flowers. Maybe you accidentally planted a male pampas grass.
You should never sow pampas grass from pampas grass seeds you have collected yourself. There is no guarantee that this will result in female plants.
To be safe, either buy pampas grass seeds from speci alty stores or divide an existing perennial. If it blooms profusely, you can be sure that the newly grown plants will also develop many fronds.
Fronds do not form in shady locations
Pampas grass needs light and sun to grow to its full beauty. If the ornamental grass is in a shady location, it remains without fronds.
This also applies to compacted soils with waterlogging. The ornamental grass does not tolerate too much moisture. To form many fronds, pampas grass requires:
- a sunny location
- permeable soil
- no waterlogging
- sufficient nutrients
Pampas grass injured when cutting
Incorrect care is often responsible when the pampas grass remains without fronds. Although the ornamental grass is easy to care for, there are a few points you need to keep in mind if you expect abundant flowering.
Pampas grass likes it dry, but it should not dry out completely. Water when dry. Due to its rapid growth, the ornamental grass needs a lot of nutrients. If it doesn't bloom, the soil may be too depleted. Fertilize regularly.
Only in spring is the right time to cut back pampas grass. However, if you injure or even cut off the new shoots, the ornamental grass will remain without fronds in summer.
Tip
If pampas grass does not bloom in the pot even after several years, the pot may be too small. The rootstock needs enough space. A planter for pampas grass should have a capacity of at least 40 liters.
