Pampas grass is a beautiful ornamental grass known for its tall, fluffy, cream-colored plumes that gracefully sway in the breeze. Growing pampas grass is easy and rewarding, as it adds a dramatic, exotic element to any garden or landscape. With just a few simple tips, you can successfully grow pampas grass in your own yard.

Choosing a Variety of Pampas Grass

There are a few different varieties of pampas grass to choose from:

Pink Pampas Grass

Pink pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is the most popular and recognizable variety, known for its classic creamy-white plumes. New plumes emerge with a pinkish hue before fading to white. This fast-growing grass can reach 6-13 feet tall.

Andes Silver Pampas Grass

Andes silver pampas grass (Cortaderia jubata) is a large variety growing 10-15 feet tall. It has striking gray-green foliage and magnificent, huge white plumes.

Purple Pampas Grass

Purple pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana ‘Pumila’) is a dwarf variety growing only 3-5 feet tall. It produces purple-tinted plumes that fade to silvery white.

Gold Band Pampas Grass

Gold band pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana ‘Sunningdale Silver’) has gray-green leaves striped with yellow margins. It reaches about 6 feet tall.

Choose the variety that best fits the size and look you want for your garden. Pink pampas grass is the best choice for most landscapes.

Selecting the Right Location

When choosing where to plant your pampas grass, select a site that maximizes its visual impact. For the grass to thrive, provide these conditions:

Full sun: Pampas grass needs at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Less sun will result in smaller plumes.
Well-drained soil: The soil must drain well and not become waterlogged. Standing water will cause pampas grass to rot.
Room to grow: Give pampas grass adequate space, planting it at least 6-10 feet away from other plants, walls, fences, or structures. It spreads out as it grows.
Air circulation: Allow open air flow around the grass. Good air movement helps prevent fungal diseases.

Ideally, choose a rise or slope in your yard where the pampas grass can command attention. The goal is for the grass plumes to stand out and make a statement.

Preparing the Soil

Prepare the planting area 2-3 weeks before planting your pampas grass. Follow these soil preparation tips:

Loosen the soil at least 12 inches deep using a shovel or tiller. Break up any compacted areas.
Mix in 2-3 inches of well-aged compost or rotted manure. This improves drainage and adds nutrients.
Test the soil pH. Pampas grass thrives in slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5-7.0. Add sulfur or lime to adjust pH if needed.
Level and smooth the soil surface, eliminating any low or high spots. Pampas grass will not tolerate standing water.

Taking time to properly prepare the soil gives your pampas grass the best start. Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil encourages healthy root development.

When to Plant Pampas Grass

Pampas grass can be planted in spring, summer, or early fall. Here are the optimal planting times:

Spring: The ideal time is after the last frost when the soil has warmed up, usually late April to May. This gives the grass the whole growing season to get established before winter.
Summer: Early to mid-summer planting works well if the weather is not too hot. Water newly planted grass daily.
Early Fall: September and October are fine for planting, but the roots won’t grow as much before winter dormancy.

Avoid planting pampas grass in winter or during a drought when moisture is lacking. Also, don’t plant in mid-to-late fall headed into winter.

How to Plant Pampas Grass

Planting pampas grass properly ensures its healthy growth. Follow these steps:

Choose a Healthy Plant

Select a young, vigorously growing pampas grass plant from a nursery or online source. Choose a size that fits your budget. You can start with a 1-2 gallon potted plant up to a 7-gallon containerized plant. Larger plants make an instant impact but are pricier.

Dig a Deep Hole

Dig a hole that is deeper and wider than the root ball or container. As a guide, make the hole 2-3 times as wide and just as deep as the root mass. The loosened soil in the wide hole will encourage root growth.

Remove from Container

Carefully remove the plant from its pot, gently loosening the roots if rootbound. Untangle any circled or matted roots.

Place in Hole & Backfill

Set the plant in the hole at the same depth it was growing in the container. The crown where the leaves emerge should be level with the ground. Fill in around the roots with the loose soil, firming the soil gently with your hands.

Water Thoroughly

Water slowly and deeply immediately after planting. This removes air pockets and saturates the soil.

Proper hole spacing, depth, and watering ensures your pampas grass gets established quickly after planting.

Caring for Your Pampas Grass

Pampas grass requires minimal care to thrive. Just provide ample water, fertilizer, and pruning to maximize its plumes:

Watering Needs

Supply pampas grass with 1-2 inches of water per week from irrigation or rainfall, adjusting as needed based on your climate. Water deeply to soak the entire root zone. Avoid shallow, frequent watering.

The grass needs consistent moisture while establishing for the first 1-2 years after planting. Mature, established plants are quite drought tolerant but will look their best with regular watering.

Fertilizing

Apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer or one formulated for ornamental grasses in early spring when new growth emerges. Fertilize again in midsummer and early autumn. Follow product label rates, usually 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet.

Pruning Old Growth

In late winter or early spring as new growth appears, prune back the old stems and leaves from the prior year. Use pruners or a machete to cut the foliage down to about 6 inches above soil level. Removing the old foliage makes room for new plume growth.

Dividing Overcrowded Clumps

Every 5-7 years, mature pampas grass may outgrow its space and need division. Divide in early spring before new growth begins. The congested root mass can be cut apart with pruners or a shovel to create new plants.

With proper planting and just a little yearly care, pampas grass is very easy to grow successfully. It will reward you with gorgeous plumes year after year.

Common Problems With Pampas Grass

When grown in the right conditions, pampas grass is relatively trouble-free. But occasionally you may encounter these issues:

Not Blooming

If pampas grass fails to produce plumes, it is likely due to insufficient sunlight, over-fertilization, overwatering, or pruning at the wrong time. Make sure to give it full sun, limit fertilizer, allow soil to dry between watering, and prune only in late winter.

Brown Leaf Tips

Brown damaged leaf tips are often caused by dry air or inadequate soil moisture. Increase watering frequency and run a humidifier nearby.

Leaning Plants

If plants lean or fall over, the likely causes are overwatering, excess shade, or poorly draining soil. Reduce watering, move to full sun, and amend soil to improve drainage. Stake plants if needed until they recover.

Invasive Growth

Pampas grass can sometimes spread aggressively by self-seeding if plumes go uncut. Cut off plumes before seeds mature to prevent unwanted spread. Keep the grass contained by planting in pots or pruning perimeter growth.

With proper care and optimal growing conditions, you can avoid most issues and enjoy your pampas grass for years.

Overwintering Pampas Grass

Pampas grass is winter hardy through USDA zones 5-10. It will go dormant and lose its foliage after the first hard freeze in zones 5-6. In zones 7-10, it may remain semi-evergreen and only partially die back.

To help your pampas grass successfully overwinter:

Cut foliage to 6 inches in late fall once it browns or after a hard freeze.
Avoid fertilizing late in the year, as new growth could get damaged by frost.
Keep soil moist (not soggy) before the ground freezes.
Mulch plants with 2-3 inches of bark, leaves, or straw to insulate roots from severe cold.
Resume watering when spring growth starts.

With basic care, pampas grass will return healthy and strong each spring even after a cold winter dormancy period.

Varieties to Grow

Many varieties of pampas grass exist beyond the common pink. Try one of these exciting options:

Blonde Ambition – Grows 6-8 feet tall with slender powdery plumes.
Thunder Cloud – Dark purple foliage and near-black plumes provide striking contrast.
Prince – Compact 3-4 foot plants with very showy plumes. Perfect for containers.
Fireworks – Features red-tinted foliage and rosy-amber plumes in autumn.
Silver Comet – Gorgeous soft silver-gray plumes stand above green leaves.

Look for these and other selections at your local nursery or an online seed store. The graceful plumes come in a range of heights and colors to fit any landscape.

Growing Pampas Grass in Pots

Don’t have space for pampas grass in your yard? You can enjoy this decorative grass by growing it in a large container. Use these tips:

Choose a dwarf variety like ‘Pumila’ or ‘Prince’ that grows just 3-5 feet tall.
Use a pot at least 18-24 inches wide and deep. The bigger, the better.
Position the container in full sun on a deck, patio, or balcony.
Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix formulated for grasses and bamboos.
Water whenever the soil feels dry 2-3 inches down. Drainage holes are essential.
Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Prune away any dead foliage or spent plumes to keep it neat.

With the right compact variety and proper care, container-grown pampas grass can add graceful texture even in small outdoor spaces.

Common Questions about Growing Pampas Grass

How fast does pampas grass grow?

Pampas grass grows fairly rapidly when provided with ideal conditions. It can grow 1-3 feet per year, achieving mature heights of 6-15 feet depending on variety. Quick establishment is one reason pampas grass works well for fast-growing privacy screens.

Does pampas grass bloom every year?

Yes, pampas grass will bloom every year once mature. It produces arching flower plumes annually in summer and fall starting 2-3 years after planting. Be sure to give it plenty of sun to encourage the best plume development.

What does pampas grass look like when it first starts growing?

When pampas grass first emerges in spring, it sends up fresh green shoots and leaves from the base. The new tender foliage looks similar to blades of corn at first. It will reach full size by mid to late summer.

How do you winterize pampas grass?

To winterize pampas grass, trim away any dead foliage in late fall after a hard frost. Avoid fertilizing late in the year. Add mulch around the crown to insulate plant roots if you live in an area with very cold winters. Keep soil slightly moist during winter months.

When should you cut back pampas grass?

Cut pampas grass back in late winter or early spring right before new growth emerges. Pruning removes unsightly dead foliage, making room for fresh plumes. Cut established plants to about 6 inches above soil level using pruners or a machete.

How do you harvest pampas grass seeds?

To collect pampas grass seeds, allow plumes to dry on the plants after they turn beige or white. Wearing gloves, comb your fingers through the plumose flower heads to strip and catch the tiny black seeds. Place the seeds in an envelope or paper bag for storage.

How to Grow Pampas Grass: Step-By-Step Guide

Growing the elegant pampas grass in your own landscape is simple when you follow some key tips. Use this comprehensive step-by-step guide for successfully planting and caring for pampas grass.

Step 1: Choose a Variety

Select a pampas grass variety suited to your climate and growing goals. Pink pampas grass and its cultivars are the most adaptable and common. Or explore more unique plumose varieties like purple, gold-banded, silver, or dwarf types.

Step 2: Prepare a Planting Spot

Pick a sunny, unshaded location with well-draining soil. Ensure adequate spacing from other plants or structures.
Loosen soil and mix in aged compost to enrich it. Test and amend soil pH if needed.
Grade the area flat or mound it slightly to improve drainage. Allow air circulation.

Step 3: Plant in Spring or Fall

Purchase young potted pampas grass plants from a nursery. Select vigorously growing specimens.
Plant in spring after the last frost once soil warms up. Or plant in fall 6-8 weeks before first frost.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Carefully remove from pot.

Step 4: Water and Fertilize

Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle soil and remove air pockets.
Continue deep watering 1-2 times per week for the first year while plants establish.
Fertilize in spring, summer, and fall with a balanced fertilizer or one formulated for ornamental grasses.

Step 5: Prune Old Foliage

In late winter or early spring, prune back all of the previous year’s leaves and stems.
Cut established plants back to 6 inches above soil level before new growth emerges.
Remove spent plumes after they turn beige or white to keep plants neat.

Step 6: Divide When Overcrowded

If pampas grass outgrows its space after 5-7 years, divide rootballs in early spring.
Cut the congested clump apart with a shovel or pruners to create new plants.
Replant divisions in holes spaced well apart to prevent overcrowding.

Step 7: Add Winter Mulch in Cold Climates

Where winters are very cold, add a 2-3 inch layer of bark, straw, or leaves around plants in late fall.
Avoid fertilizing late in the year to prevent tender new growth before frost.
Cut back foliage after it browns in fall. Keep soil slightly moist (not soggy) while dormant.

Step 8: Sit Back and Enjoy!

Relax and enjoy the graceful movement, exotic texture, and stunning floral plumes of pampas grass.
Remove old flowering stems before they go to seed if you want to prevent self-seeding.

With proper care, your pampas grass will thrive for years, transforming your landscape into a relaxing pampas grass paradise!

How to Grow Pampas Grass in Pots

Don’t have enough yard space for pampas grass? You can successfully container-grow pampas grass on a patio or balcony. Follow these simple tips:

Choose a Compact Variety

Opt for a dwarf pampas grass cultivar that grows just 3-5 feet tall, ideal for containers. Good options include ‘Prince’ and ‘Pumila’.

Select a Large Container

Use a container at least 18-24 inches wide and deep to provide ample room for root growth. Half wine barrels work well.

Use Free-Draining Soil Mix

Fill the pot with a commercial cactus/citrus mix or make your own mix of potting soil, perlite, and sand for drainage.

Give it Full Sun

Place the potted plant in an area receiving at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and flowering.

Water When Soil is Dry

Check soil moisture by digging down 2-3 inches with your finger and water thoroughly whenever the top few inches become dry.

Fertilize Regularly

Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Stop fertilizing by September.

Prune as Needed

Trim off any unsightly brown foliage or spent plumes to keep your container pampas grass looking neat.

Container growing restricts root expansion, so annual pruning and fertilizing are especially important. With the right care, you can enjoy beautiful ornamental grasses on your patio!

How to Harvest Pampas Grass Seeds

If you’d like to collect seeds from your pampas grass plants for propagation or to share with fellow gardeners, here is a simple seed harvesting method:

Allow Plumes to Dry

Leave flower plumes on the plants well past maturity until they turn tan or white. Let them dry out completely on the grass stems.

Wear Gloves

Put on gloves before handling mature plumes. The flower spikelets have tiny bristles that can irritate skin.

Comb Out Seeds

Run your gloved fingers down the length of each dried plume, combing out the seeds. Catch them in your hand or over a container.

Place Seeds in Envelopes

Transfer the tiny black pampas grass seeds to paper envelopes or resealable plastic bags