Like all pampas grasses, the variety with the pink flower fronds is hardy. Sub-zero temperatures don't affect the ornamental grass so much, but too much moisture does. That's why pink pampas grass should be prepared for winter in autumn.
Is pink pampas grass hardy and how do I protect it in winter?
Pink pampas grass is partially hardy and can tolerate sub-zero temperatures, but it should be protected from moisture to avoid root rot. Tying the stalks and flower fronds together provides protection; if kept in a container, a frost-proof location is recommended.
Pink pampas grass is conditionally hardy
Pink pampas grass is native to America and is therefore adapted to cold winters. What damages ornamental grass much more than frost is wetness. In winter it is much wetter than in summer due to frequent downpours and snow.
If the rhizome of the pink pampas grass, the clump, becomes too moist, it begins to rot and the ornamental grass dies.
How to protect pink pampas grass from getting wet in winter
Protecting the clump of pink pampas grass from moisture is quite easy. Do not cut off the stalks and flower fronds in autumn, but leave them on the plant.
The fronds can be loosely tied together at the top with a ribbon, thus providing perfect protection against too much moisture.
The tied fronds are also a very decorative garden decoration in winter.
Overwintering pink pampas grass in a pot
Pink pampas grass - as well as white pampas grass - can be grown well in a pot as long as it has sufficient capacity. If you care for the colored ornamental grass in a pot, it will not be hardy. This is because the soil in the pot freezes faster than in the open field.
To overwinter the pampas grass, place the pot in a frost-free but cool location. All places that are protected from the wind are suitable for this:
- sheltered corner on the terrace
- covered balcony corner
- bright basement
- unheated winter garden
- cool greenhouse
If the location of the pot is covered, you do not need to tie the plant together. But place the pot on an insulating surface (€36.00 on Amazon) and wrap the pot with bubble wrap. In addition, protection made from fir branches or brushwood makes sense.
How fast does ornamental grass grow in summer, when does pampas grass bloom and what to do if your pampas grass doesn't bloom?
Tip
Pampas grass seeds of all types of pampas grass can be bought and planted until autumn. However, if you plant late, you should definitely provide winter protection. The decorative ornamental grass is only hardy when it has been able to settle in the location.