Pink Pampas Grass - 3 Gallon Pot

When planted right and in the right spot, Pampas Grass is exceptionally easy to grow in the ground or in large containers.

Here's a breakdown of what you need to know...

Pampas Grass are easy to grow in a wide range of soils, from sandy to well-drained clay. They prefer a moist but well-drained soil while establishing themselves, however will tolerate dry soil conditions when established. As with so many other ornamental plants, constantly soggy or wet soils can be problematic. So make sure the planting site is a well-drained one.

Pampas Grass grow best in an acid to slightly alkaline soil ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 on the pH scale. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, meaning there usually isn't a pH concern. 

Pampas grow best in full to mostly sun. They are less vigorous and have a tendency to flop in too much shade. A little shade during the day is okay. We recommend at least 7 hours of direct sun per day.

Start by digging your planting hole two to three times as wide and as deep or not much deeper than the root ball of your plant. The wider the hole the better. Place native soil removed from planting hole around the perimeter of the hole, in a wheel barrow, or on a tarp.

Depending on the type, fertility and porosity of the soil in the planting area it might be good to amend the native soil. When planting in dense clay or other compacted soils it is beneficial to thoroughly mix in some bagged top soil, sand, and/or a good planting mix at a 50/50 ratio with the clay soil. When planting in very sandy, quick-draining soil consider mixing in some top soil, peat moss, or compost to help with moisture retention. When planting in a moist but well-drained soil of average fertility there is no need for adding a soil amendment.

To remove your Pampas from the container it was growing in first squeeze the sides of the pot to loosen the root ball. Then, wearing gloves, firmly grasp the base of the plant and try to gently lift and remove it from its container. If the root ball is stuck in the container use a snipping tool or utility knife to cut the container away. After having removed the plant from the container, carefully loosen some feeder roots around the surface of the root ball. If root bound, you can gently spray the sides and bottom surfaces of the root ball with a stream of water from a garden hose. This will help to wash away some soil from the exterior of the root ball making it easier to loosen roots. 

Set your Pampas Grass in the planting hole so that the top edge of the root ball is at or slightly above ground level to allow for settling. It may be necessary to place some of your backfill soil mixture in the bottom of the hole to achieve proper planting height.

NOTE:  If the soil in the planting area is poorly drained (constantly soggy or wet) improve drainage or consider planting another plant species tolerant of wet soils. 

After setting your Pampas Grass in the planting hole, use one hand to hold the plant straight while using your other hand to begin backfilling the soil mixture around the root ball, tamping as you go to remove air pockets. When you have filled the hole to the halfway point you can soak the soil. Then continue backfilling to the top edge of the root ball. To avoid suffocating your plant, avoid placing any soil on top of the root ball.

If you are planting your Pampas Grass in a location far away from a water source, and in well-drained soil, you can use remaining soil mixture to build a 3 inch high water retaining berm (catch basin / doughnut) around the outside perimeter of the planting hole. This basin will help to collect water from rainfall and irrigation often reducing the need for hand-watering. The berm can be removed after a year.

Next, deeply water the planting area, including the root ball, to a depth equal to the height of the root ball. For an extra boost, you can also water your newly planted Pampas with a solution of Root Stimulator, which stimulates early root formation and stronger root development. Root Stimulator reduces plant shock and promotes greener, more vigorous plants.

To conserve moisture ans suppress weeds, apply a 1 to 2" layer of shredded wood mulch or bark, or a 3- 4" layer of pine straw, around your newly planted Pampas Grass. Avoid the use of freshly chipped or shredded wood for mulch until it has cured in a pile for at least 6 months, a year is better. 

Pampas Grass are fast growing, and grow quite large, however grow well in large containers. When growing in pots they appreciate a moist but well-drained soil. Constantly soggy soil can and often will cause root rot or other harmful or deadly plant diseases. Therefore, we suggest a container with a drainage hole(s) and a high quality potting soil or professional potting mix, or a 50/50 combination thereof. To enhance drainage in containers, you can also add 10 to 20% perlite or pumice to the soil mixture.

Before filling your container with the soil mix, we recommend lining the bottom with shade cloth or a porous landscape fabric. This will keep the drain holes from becoming stopped up with soil. If you use gravel or other materials in the bottom of the pot lay the fabric over it.

To remove your Pampas from the container it was growing in first squeeze the sides of the pot to loosen the root ball. Then, wearing gloves, firmly grasp the base of the plant and try to gently lift and remove it from its container. If the root ball is stuck in the container use a snipping tool or utility knife to cut the container away. After having removed the plant from the container, carefully loosen some feeder roots around the surface of the root ball. 

Pour a small amount of your soil mixture in the bottom of the container. Set the plant in the container and make necessary adjustments by adding or removing some soil so that the top edge of the root ball will sit 1 to 2 inches below the rim of the container.

Backfill with your potting soil around root ball, tamping as you go, until the level of potting soil is even with the top edge of root ball.

Water thoroughly until water starts to drain from the holes in the bottom of the container. Add more potting mix if settling occurs during watering.

Apply a 1/2" layer of wood chips, sphagnum moss or stone mulch to soil surface for decorative purposes and to help conserve moisture. You might also consider planting low spreading annual flowers or groundcover plants around your grass plant as a soil cover.

Pampas Grass require one annual pruning.

Foliage should be left standing throughout the winter for visual interest. Wait to prune until late winter or early spring, before or just when new growth begins to emerge.

Use hedge trimmers, hedge shears, or a sharp pair of bypass hand pruners, to trim foliage back to the ground. If you wait too long, and new foliage has already emerged, go ahead and trim the foliage back. It's better to do that than to look at dormant, straw-color foliage throughout the season.

 

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