Pampas grass with its delicate flower fronds is a feast for the eyes, and not just in summer. Even in winter, the dried-out ornamental grass is still a real eye-catcher. The fronds are not cut, but tied together at the top. This not only looks decorative, but also has a practical use.
Why should you tie up pampas grass in the fall?
Pampas grass should be tied up in autumn to protect it from moisture and cold. Tying them together protects the hollow stems from water penetration and keeps the root ball dry, preventing rot.
Pampas grass cannot tolerate too much moisture
Pampas grass is hardy and can cope well with sub-zero temperatures as long as the ornamental grass is in a location that is not too rough and windy.
What really bothers the pampas grass is the wetness that prevails in winter. It rains frequently without allowing the moisture to evaporate. When snow falls, the pampas grass is literally soaked. This is very damaging to the root ball, the clump, and it begins to rot.
Do not cut pampas grass in autumn
The fronds and leaves of most types of pampas grass dry out in autumn. However, you shouldn't use scissors because the stems of pampas grass are hollow inside. Rainwater or thawed snow penetrates the open stalks and accumulates at the roots.
In addition, the dried leaves and flower fronds provide good protection against too much moisture if you tie them together in autumn - or braid them dry.
Why you should tie up pampas grass in the fall
Binding the pampas grass together protects the inside of the plant from moisture. Snow cannot settle on it and rain is also kept out.
Tie the pampas grass loosely together with twine (€6.00 on Amazon), raffia or coconut thread. Do not pull the thread too tight as the stalks will break.
The plant remains tied together until spring. Only when the days get brighter and warmer again do you loosen the band. If new shoots are visible inside, you can cut off the old fronds and dried leaves.
Pampas grass tied together as a privacy screen
Pampas grass is often planted as a privacy screen in the garden. In winter, however, the hedge is no longer opaque. By tying the stalks together, the privacy screen is at least partially preserved.
Tip
Pampas grass likes it rather dry, but the soil should not dry out completely. If the winter is very dry, you should water the ornamental grass once on frost-free days.
