In the fall or after transplanting, the leaves of pampas grass often turn brown and look dried out. Many gardeners assume that the ornamental grass has died. However, this is rarely the case, because pampas grass is very robust in the right location.
Why did my pampas grass dry up?
Dried pampas grass is often just a seasonal phenomenon - the leaves usually turn brown in autumn. However, care errors such as too little water, waterlogging or lack of nutrients can also lead to dry leaves. After transplanting, pampas grass also needs time to recover.
Pampas grass looks dried up
If many or all of the leaves dry up in autumn, this is a completely normal process. Even evergreen varieties get brown leaves.
Be sure to leave the dried parts standing in the fall. They provide good winter protection for the plant's clump. If you cut the stalks too early, moisture will penetrate and cause the perennial to rot. Pampas grass is not cut until spring.
Tie all the leaves and fronds together at the top in autumn. Then not so much moisture from rain and snow gets onto the pampas grass horst.
Brown leaves due to incorrect care
There is cause for concern if the leaves dry out during the peak season. There are usually care errors here:
- Pampas grass is too dry
- Waterlogging has formed
- Plant doesn't get enough nutrients
Pampas grass likes very dry soil. But it shouldn't dry out completely. You must therefore water on very hot summer days or in very dry winters. Pampas grass tolerates waterlogging even less. Make sure the soil is permeable to water.
Since pampas grass grows very quickly, it needs a lot of nutrients. If these are missing in the soil, the plant can no longer supply all of its shoots and leaves, so they turn brown and dry out. Fertilize regularly during the growing season with compost (€12.00 on Amazon) or liquid fertilizer.
Leaves dry up after transplanting
If the leaves dry out after transplanting the ornamental grass, you don't need to worry. Pampas grass takes a while to settle into its new location.
If there is enough water and nutrients, the plant recovers quickly after being moved.
Do not cut off the dried leaves, but wait until spring before cutting.
Tip
Pampas grass is also good for drying. To do this, cut off the fronds in autumn and hang them upside down in a warm, bright and dry place. They sometimes last for several years in a dry bouquet.
