Pampas Grass

Pampas grass is a very popular ornamental grass that is easy to grow. This ornamental grass consists of attractive oversized arching grass-like foliage and will produce beautiful airy, creamy white feathery plumes from mid-summer to fall. In winter, the foliage will turn tan-bronze and can be left to create winter interest before being trimmed back in early spring to re-emerge with fresh foliage.

Pampas grass is deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established. Additionally, it is hardy from USDA Zones 7-11. This selection is often used as an accent, screen, hedge, or large ground cover in the landscape.

Pampas Grass Care

Due to its aggressive nature, Pampas Grass is listed on the list of invasive plants by the USDA, but with proper maintenance and care you can grow this grass with worry. Pampas is a full-sunlight plant and requires 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily. It will tolerate filtered sunlight or part shade, but the foliage and plumes may suffer greatly.

Watering and Sunlight

Pampas will thrive in nearly any garden condition and adapts to almost any location it is planted. Ornamental grasses are to be watered once every 2 weeks during the first growing season. Not much water is required, so be sure not to overwater your plants. During periods of extreme drought watering 2-3 times per week may be necessary. No watering is required after the plant is well established.

How To Grow Pampas Grass

Once you have received your Pampas Grass plants and you are ready to plant them, follow the steps below and you will be on your way to having happy, healthy plants! Plantsbymail.com offers you a selection of Pampas Grass plants that come potted with soil and are ready to be planted immediately.

• Using a shovel, dig holes 3x the width and depth of your plant’s root system. Be sure to allow space for the roots, as this is a rapidly growing grass plant.
• Spread the roots apart by hand. Separating the root ball will allow your roots to absorb moisture faster and additionally with help the plant settle faster.
• Place your plant in position by centering it in the hole and backfilling. If your soil does not retain moisture, add sand, tamp the dirt down and ensure that the plant is stable.
• Be sure that water deeply and immediately once placed in the ground to ensure that your Pampas Grass takes root. Make sure that the soil remains evenly moist at all times until established.

Spacing Your Pampas Grass 

Due to the large nature of this grass allowing adequate space is of utmost importance. If you are looking to form a seamless hedge or border, space your Pampas Grass 6-8 feet apart from center to plant center. If you are interested in covering a large amount of ground space your grass 14 or more feet apart.

This is a large plant with sharp foliage so be considerate of its placement. Here are a few places to avoid:

1. Do not place near roadways or driveways as the dense foliage may interfere with your line of sight.
2. Never place near AC units, as the long foliage can quickly become entangled in the spinning fan. 
3. Pampas Grass foliage has sharp edges, so children’s and animals’ play areas should be avoided.