Growing Pampas Grass
Another ornamental grass that is worth giving our attention to is the white pampas grass. This ornamental beauty is a native of North America. The plumes of the Pampas Grass is showy and will stand out in just about any landscape or garden design, the statement that this ornamental grass makes is so bold.
The Pampas Grass is truly an amazing plant with its soft puffs of feathery plumes that sit atop a slender stock that will take your garden to the next level. This ornamental grass is said to be used in many floral arrangements. The foliage (leaves) of this garden beauty grows full or in clumps. With a plant like this and its amazing display of white will give that WOW. For more on the Pampas grass continue reading as we learn how to grow and care for them.
Planting Location
The Pampas grass though it will tolerate partial shade loves the full sun. If planting these babies in masses give a spacing of 6-8 ft apart because of their spread. This ornamental grass can also reach heights of 10 ft and taller
Soil Type
The Pampas Grass will grow in a wide range of soil but soil that s well-drained is more preferred to keep these grass happy.
Water Methods
When first installed water your Pampas Grass once or twice a week. Once established these plants are drought tolerant and only need to be watered under severe drought conditions.
Fertilizing Methods
To keep your Pampas Grass healthy a liquid feed of 8-8-8 is a great choice. Before applying read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Garden insect pests on the Pampas Grass
- Aphids
- Mites
Aphids and mites may be an issue, to treat these garden insect pests the use of insecticidal soap may offer some help.
Diseases of the Pampas Grass
Your Pampas Grass my face these issues
- Anthracnose
- Rust
- Powdery Mildew
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is encouraged by moist conditions signs may include thinning and browning of the leaves. Ensure that your Pampas Grass has good circulation besides being installed in full sun.
Rust
If reddish-stems appear on your Pampas this condition is known as rust. This disease is encouraged by fungi, control these fungi by cutting back the infected stem just above the soil surface. Your Pampas grass should recover.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery Mildew shows up as a white power mass that resembles flour. To control this disease avoid planting your Pampas grass in full shade partial to full sun is what your grass needs, the preferred choice would be full sunlight.
Ideas on where to install the Pampas
Here are just a few ideas on where to install the Pampers Grass
1. These grasses can be installed or grouped in a garden area, just remember to give it proper spacing as discussed earlier.
2. Soften up that wall by lining these babies alongside them.
3. Pampas Grass looks great planted near a pond area.
4. Living in a coastal area, then using these grasses as a border plant will work wonders.
5. Add a few to a rock garden is a great idea.
6. Install these grasses in a container and place the container on your porch or patio.
Container grown Pampas
When growing Pampas Grass from a container ensure that the soil is well-drained. The container should have drain holes to allow excess water to drain through. The container can be placed in a partially shaded area but full sun is a better choice. Ensure that the container has drain holes to allow excess water to drain.
Pampas Grass is drought tolerant, when growing from container water your Pampers Grass during extremely hot conditions and do not water again until your grass is thirsty or when the soil is dry. Fertilizer as stated above.
Pruning your Pampas Grass
Late winter is the best time to prune your Pampas Grass before the new growth appears. To make the job easier the use of a power tool such as a chain saw will work wonders. The use of loppers can do the job also although it may take a little longer. You may also want to put on some good gardening gloves to protect your hands. A pair of long pants and a long sleeve shirt should be considered also. Remove or cut the leaves at the soil level also the use of a small hand rake is great to clean out grasses or leaves which are dead.
Additional Information
1. The Pampas grass will do great in coastal areas because it can withstand the salt sprays.
2. These grasses can hold up well under heavy winds.
3. The Pampas Grass is known to be an invasive plant.
4. During the winter months, your Pampas grass may become the home of small mammals.
A few species of the Pampas Grass
1. Silver Cornet.
2. Splendid Star.
3. Pink Pampas or Rosea
4. Pink feather Pampas Grass.
5. Gold band.
These are just a few of the many species of the Pampas Grass.
The final word
From what you have read what do you think is this grass worth the investment, I think so? The Pampas grass is a garden beauty that has captured the hearts of so many people. Give your garden and landscapes that extra boost by installing these grasses. You will love the results as this plant goes to work for you by producing flowers that are showy and really amazing.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.