Pampas grass can be planted in both pots and beds. It is therefore important to think about the future location before buying, because the growth of the solitary perennial should not be underestimated.
What should you think about before buying pampas grass?
When buying pampas grass, you should pay attention to the future location, growth height, growth width and source of supply. Dwarf breeds suitable for containers remain under 100 cm, while large varieties grow in beds over 150 cm. Also consider site conditions, care requirements, and safety for children and pets.
Large pampas grass for the bed in white and pink
Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is an impressive eye-catcher in the garden. Plants that growover 150 centimeterstall are among the large varieties. The perennial diameter is between 80 and 120 centimeters. Due to their growth and strong root formation, these large varieties are more suitable for the bed than for the container. The hardy pampas grass with its white to pink-red flowers feels most at home inoutdoors.
White pampas grass
The varieties with white flowers are most common in nature and in cultivation. They are reminiscent of wild grass or grain ears, although pampas grass flowers appear much more voluminous. Despite their size, they sway delicately in the wind like tufts of feathers. The color spectrum in this category ranges from white to silver to golden brown.
White Feather
With its height of up to 250 centimeters, the 'White Feather' attracts attention. Its bushy, silver-white flowers are hard to beat in size. For sun worshipers, a bright location is recommended, preferably by a garden pond. Creative tip: When dried, the silky pom-pom flowers can also be used as decorative grass. Here in the online shop of the Horstmann tree nursery you can get the popular variety as a pot product for 8.00 euros.
Color: Silver white
Height: 90 – 250 centimeters
Shape of the fronds: Voluminous, silky panicles
Colour of leaves: Grey-green
Aureolineata
The pampas grass variety 'Aureolineata' not only wins the prize for the most graceful name, but also for the most beautiful foliage. If you translate 'Aureolineata' from Latin into German, it becomes clear why: "Golden stripes" that run through the long, curved leaves. But their beauty is a double-edged sword – literally – because the leaf edges are razor-sharp. This should be taken into account when choosing a location. You can get the femme fatale among the pampas grasses here.
Color: Silver white
Height: 90 – 250 cm
Shape of the fronds: Delicate, airy panicles
Color of leaves: Green-gold
Pink pampas grass
If the white flowers are too simple for you, you may find your favorites in the pink color category. As a rule, the colorful perennials grow to a similar height as their white siblings. The pink pampas grasses bring a feminine touch to the bed, ranging from light pink to a rusty red tone in autumn.
Pink Feather
The graceful counterpart to the white variety already introduced is called 'Rosa Feder'. It has slightly lower stems, but the flowers at its tip are just as voluminous and dense as its counterpart. The intense pink fronds, which glow light brown and slightly silvery in autumn, confidently enchant gardeners and visitors alike. In combination with the delicate purple lavender, the 'Pink Feather' can particularly ignite your romantic fire. There is a good offer here.
Color: Light pink, light brown / silvery in autumn
Height: 100 – 150 cm
Shape of the fronds: voluminous and dense panicles
Colour of leaves: Grey-green
Rosea
The pampas grass variety 'Rosea' refreshes the late summer from September onwards with its light and loose flower spikes. In contrast to the fiery feather, it is slightly larger at 200 centimeters. In addition, their long fronds are a rather pale pink with slight shades of gray. This makes 'Rosea' seem a bit warmer and more natural overall. In autumn the color finally changes to a rich brown. Here we recommend the online shop 'Palmenmann', which offers beautiful specimens in pots for 23.99 euros.
Color: Pink with grayscale
Height: 150 – 200 cm
Shape of the fronds: loose panicles
Colour of leaves: Grey-green
Small pampas grass for balconies and pots
The pampas grass varieties, which do not exceed a height of 150 centimeters, are a size smaller, but by no means less attractive. Their advantages are obvious: they require less space and are suitable for planting in containers. The small pampas grass also serves as an attractive privacy screen on balconies.
Pumila
The classic among the small pampas grass varieties is called 'Pumila'. Its flowers reach heights of a maximum of 120 centimeters and are therefore on the same level as their gray-green stalks. Nevertheless, the white fronds are not lost in the greenery, but stand out upright and pompous. The flowers are also ideal for drying and decorate the home loose or in a floor vase. You can find the customer favorite here at the Horstmann tree nursery for 11.80 euros.
Color: White-silvery
Height: 50 – 120 cm
Shape of the fronds: Long and dense panicles
Colour of leaves: Grey-green
Mini Silver
The little 'Mini Silver' blooms until November and grows to heights of up to 100 centimeters. On top of that, it grows compactly and is considered particularly easy to care for, so that even beginners can keep their own pampas grass without any problems. The only thing to note is that it is watered enough in summer and that the substrate is permeable. If you follow a few rules, the plant will thank you with fine, silvery panicles. There is a suitable offer here at Palmenmann for 26.90 euros.
Color: Silver white
Height: 50 – 100 cm
Shape of the fronds: Thin and elongated panicles
Colour of leaves: Grey-green
The right size for pots and beds
Since pampas grass sometimes grows very tall and wide, the right location is essential for he althy growth. But you shouldn't ignore the sharp-edged leaves. Children and pets run the risk of cutting themselves on the edges of the leaves. That's why pampas grass shouldn't be placed on narrow balconies, for example.
From an aesthetic point of view, pampas grass can be kept very well as a solitary plant in the garden. But pampas grass also looks good in combination with colorful flowers, fragrant herbs and other ornamental grasses. There are hardly any limits to creativity. Only the location requirements of the different plants should be similar. And when planting pampas grass, the planting distance depending on the variety should be taken into account, among other things.
Dwarf or mini pampas grass: The recommended size for the pot. Varieties like 'Mini Silver', which remain below 100 centimeters in height, fit on the balcony or in a sunny corner of the terrace.
Normal pampas grass: Plants between 80 and 150 centimeters high count as normal pampas grass. They are only suitable for the bucket to a limited extent, although proper care is crucial here. Planted next to each other, they also make a stylish hedge.
Tall pampas grass: Pampas grass varieties over 150 centimeters are considered tall. They grow at an astonishing speed and thus act as an optimal privacy screen for the terrace. However, the sharp leaves should be taken into account when choosing a location, especially for large specimens.
Purchasing criteria
What do you need to consider when buying pampas grass? As a rule, you can't go wrong with the sources of supply. The most common bad purchases are due to the fact that an unsuitable location was chosen for the ornamental grass. In order to save yourself the work of removing it later, the purchase should be thought through. This is how you can enjoy the fluffy pampas grass stress-free.
Source
While garden center employees usually provide competent advice, visiting an online shop can leave questions unanswered. But don't hesitate to contact the provider. A reputable seller will quickly provide you with a detailed answer. And be guided by customer reviews and recommendations. The online shops presented in this article are an established size among hobby and professional gardeners, for example.
Also pay attention to how the seedling is delivered. As a rule, a small to medium-sized pot is offered in which a young plant grows. The prices range from 8 to 25 euros. Larger specimens are offered in so-called containers, which can have volumes of up to 20 liters or more. They have the advantage of being older and bushier. In return, however, they cost upwards of 100 euros.
Later location of the perennial
Make sure how tall and wide the pampas grass you want will be. Since the leaves are curved, a few centimeters are added to the total circumference. Then ask yourself the following questions:
- Are there a lot of people, possibly children, walking close to the potential location?
- Isn't the balcony too cramped?
- Is the location shady?
- Is the location in a depression?
- Does regular watering even fit into the schedule?
If you can answer these questions in the negative with a clear conscience, you have made the right choice of variety. If you are still dissatisfied with the location or the pampas grass in general, you can always transplant the perennial and give it away. The plant will definitely be adopted by neighbors or acquaintances.
FAQ
Is there small pampas grass in pink?
Pink pampas grass is usually quite large. The growth heights start at around 100 centimeters and reach over 200 centimeters.
Which pampas grass is suitable for the bed?
Every type of pampas grass – large and small, white and pink – feels at home in the bed. Provided that the soil is permeable, has a large supply of nutrients and plenty of sunlight.
Which is the most beautiful pampas grass?
The most beautiful white pampas grass varieties include the 'White Feather' and the gold-striped 'Aureolineata'. The most beautiful pink pampas grass is either 'Rosa Feder' or 'Rosea'. But even small varieties like 'Pumila' and 'Mini Silver' don't have to hide from the big ones.
When should pampas grass be planted?
Pampas grass is planted from late spring, preferably after the Ice Saints. There should be no more threat of frost.
When can you buy pampas grass?
If you want to buy a pampas grass seedling, it's best to buy it in late spring. So it can be planted directly. However, if you want to buy pampas grass seeds, we recommend buying them early, as the seedlings have to be grown in the apartment first.
Is there hardy pampas grass?
Yes, all pampas grass varieties are considered hardy. They can tolerate temperatures down to -17 °C. What they cannot cope with, however, is winter wetness. That's why the pampas grass should be tied together like a knot for winter protection.
Where can you buy pampas grass?
You can easily buy the popular pampas grass at the garden center next door. However, the variety of varieties is greater on the Internet.
