When does pampas grass bloom? The most important facts about the flowering period

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When does pampas grass bloom? The most important facts about the flowering period
When does pampas grass bloom? The most important facts about the flowering period
Anonim

When does pampas grass bloom? The fronds of the solitary plant are an eye-catcher in the garden. For this reason, the question arises as to the timing of flowering in our latitudes, which always depends on the variety.

When does pampas grass bloom shown as an arm with an alarm clock in its hand, which is stretched out of the pampas grass plant
When does pampas grass bloom shown as an arm with an alarm clock in its hand, which is stretched out of the pampas grass plant

When does pampas grass bloom?

Pampas grass usually begins to bloom between July and August and displays its magnificent fronds well into the winter. However, depending on the variety and location, the first flowering can occur two to three years after planting.

When does pampas grass bloom?

Pampas grass does not bloom until July at the earliest. However, the expanded flowers usually only appear in August and remain until winter.

Pampas grass – time of flowering during the year

The pampas grass genus consists of more than 600 different varieties and is botanically classified as sweet grasses. These each have small differences in the maximum height and the optical design. However, the basic growth cycle is almost identical. The flowers of the pampas grass usually appearfrom September in all their beauty and can be wonderfully combined with other plants.

Development of pampas grass as an illustration
Development of pampas grass as an illustration

As soon as the new shoots appear on the ornamental grass (March/April), it is time to cut back the old shoots. This should be shortened to a maximum height of 20 centimeters. This allows the new shoots optimal exposure and ventilation, which promotes growth.

How fast does ornamental grass grow, when does pampas grass bloom and what to do if your pampas grass doesn't bloom?

The further timeline is as follows:

  • June/July: primarily height growth, development of long stalks
  • July/August: Formation of inflorescences
  • fromAugust to October: the decorative fronds spread and bloom

Before the frost begins at the end of October, the stems must be tied together to protect against breakage. The compactness also protects against moisture damage to the sensitive plant heart.

How long does pampas grass take to bloom?

The fronds of pampas grass at flowering time
The fronds of pampas grass at flowering time

The commercially available seedlings of Cortaderia selloana are already of the appropriate size, but the young plant still needs several years until the first flowering, especially after sowing pampas grass seeds. A lack of flowering for two to three years after planting is not uncommon. Depending on the variety, this period can be shorter or longer. The prerequisite for the scheduled flowering is a suitable location and correct planting.

In addition, the inflorescences only appear extremely late due to the main flowering period in autumn. Missing flower fronds in May are therefore not a problem. However, if there are still no inflorescences visible in June or July, this may also be due to a lack of nutrients. You can find everything relevant to the topic of fertilizing here. In addition, waterlogging is a widespread problem, especially with potted plants, which can also be the cause of a lack of flowering. The perennial should therefore always be planted in a water-permeable substrate, while avoiding drying out.

Identifying pampas grass flowers – male and female plants

Cortaderia selloana is a dioecious plant and therefore occurs in both a female and a male form. There are some differences between the sexes, particularly with regard to the formation of the inflorescences.

The fronds of pampas grass of a female plant
The fronds of pampas grass of a female plant

Female pampas grass blooms more profusely than male

Male: The male plants usually produce significantly fewer and leaner inflorescences. The stalks often do not stay together compactly but fall apart. The overall picture therefore often appears very atypical for pampas grass.

Female: The female form reflects the desired image of an impressive ornamental grass. The inflorescences appear in large numbers and have a bushy shape. In addition, the individual stalks often remain in a compact growth habit.

FAQ

How to recognize the flowering of pampas grass?

The flowers of the pampas grass are easily recognizable by their iconic shape. In the early stages the fronds are closed and thicker than the leaves. The color and maximum size of the inflorescences depends on the respective variety.

When does pampas grass bloom for the first time?

Newly planted ornamental grass seedlings require on average two to three years until their first flowering. However, depending on the respective variety and the age of the young plant, this period can be shorter or longer. A lack of flowering does not always have to be due to inadequate care.

How long does pampas grass take to bloom?

The sweet grass needs several months in its regular growth cycle until it begins to bloom. The first inflorescences can be seen from June at the earliest, which then bloom at the beginning of autumn.

When is pampas grass blooming?

Cortaderia selloana usually only blooms in autumn, i.e. from July to November at the earliest. Depending on the variety, the flowering period ranges from one month to three months. In addition, the impressive fronds remain intact throughout the winter until the next pruning.

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