Keep ornamental grasses happy with these tips.
Pampas Grass Must-Knows
Pampas grass grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It will tolerate light shade, but dense shade will cause it to become floppy. Once established pampas grass is drought tolerant and deer resistant. It has few pest problems and tolerates salt spray, making it an ideal plant for coastal landscapes. Prune pampas grass in late winter to remove the previous year’s foliage and make way for new growth. Power hedge shears are often the best tool for pruning the plant’s dense growth at ground level. Pampas grass has sharp blades, so wear a long-sleeve shirt and jeans or slacks to protect your skin.
Drying Plumes
The flowers of pampas grass are prized for dried floral arrangements. Harvesting and drying your own flowers is simple. Cut the flowers as soon as they fully emerge but before they are mature and shedding. Let the stems dry in a cool, dark place. After the stems are dry, spray them with a light coat of hairspray to prevent shedding. Check out more of our favorite ornamental grasses here.
More Varieties of Pampas Grass
Dwarf pampas grass
Cortaderia selloana ‘Pumila,’ also know as ‘Ivory Feathers,’ is a dwarf variation of pampas grass that grows 3- to 5-feet tall and 4- to 6-feet wide. It has long stalks of dramatic, creamy white plumes held above green foliage. This smaller form is well-suited for small landscapes. Zones 7–11
