If the pampas grass has become too big or is in the wrong place, it is not always possible to avoid moving the perennial. The ornamental grass can be transplanted easily, but you have to use a lot of physical strength to do it.
How to transplant pampas grass correctly?
To successfully transplant pampas grass, choose spring as the ideal time after cutting it back. Prepare a new planting hole, cut off the rootstock all around and dig it up. If necessary, divide it and plant the ornamental grass in the new location.
The right time to transplant
The best time to transplant pampas grass is in the spring, after you have cut it back. Moving at a later date is not recommended because of the sharp leaves - especially not if the plant is very large.
Theoretically, you can still transplant pampas grass in the fall. Then tie the stalks together at the top so that you don't hurt yourself.
After transplanting in autumn, you must ensure good winter protection so that the ornamental grass does not freeze in winter.
How to transplant pampas grass
- Prepare new planting hole
- Pick off the rootstock all around
- Dig up roots
- share if necessary
- plant whole or in parts
The larger the clump, the deeper you have to dig to get the roots out of the ground. If only a piece of root remains, the pampas grass will probably sprout again.
If the pampas grass has simply become too big, you don't need to replant it. Use the spade to cut off parts of the root or divide the perennial into two pieces.
Share pampas grass when moving
If you have to transplant the pampas grass anyway, take the opportunity to propagate the perennial by dividing it. To do this, cut off parts of the root and plant them in a new location.
Never work without gloves
Whether you are cutting the pampas grass or digging it up to transplant it - always work with gloves (€9.00 on Amazon). The leaves are very hard and very sharp. You can suffer painful cuts just by touching the plant.
For very large perennials, you should also protect your eyes and wear long-sleeved clothing.
Tip
If you grow the pampas grass in a pot, spring is the best time to repot the ornamental grass. Cut off any dried parts, divide the root and remove the used soil. Then place the ornamental grass in fresh substrate.
