The American pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) has its origins in South America. It is very fast-growing, easy to care for and only partially winter-proof in our latitudes. The imposing sweet grass is conquering more and more domestic gardens, whether as a solitary plant, in a bucket or as a privacy screen. A special eye-catcher in autumn are the large inflorescences, which are reminiscent of feather dusters. During a gardening season, the ornamental grass can reach a considerable height, depending on the variety.
pampas grass growth
Pampas grass adorns many gardens with its frond-shaped flowers. The ornamental grass is considered fast-growing. His growth is impressive and initially still a long time coming. All the facts about growing pampas grass are in the article below.
Growth phase after pruning
In the spring, when the first new shoots are visible, the ornamental grass must be cut back. After that, the new growth phase can begin undisturbed. This then ends in autumn with the formation of the flower fronds. During the winter, the pampas grass finally stops growing completely and hibernation begins.
Please never cut back the pampas grass in autumn. The leaves serve as winter protection during the cold season. Because if you cut back now, moisture can enter the stems and freeze. As a result, the heart of the plant begins to rot, and eventually the pampas grass dies.
tip: The leaves of the pampas grass are extremely sharp-edged. Sturdy gloves must therefore always be worn during maintenance work. Children and pets should also be kept away from the ornamental grass. Because there is a risk of injury.
accelerate growth
Pampas grass is already considered to be fast-growing. However, there is still a lot that can be done to ensure even better and healthier growth. It doesn't even take that much:
- sunny, sheltered location
- water-permeable soil
- ideal sandy-stony soil
- no waterlogging
- sufficient nutrient supply for beautiful stems, inflorescences and lush growth
- Fertilize every 14 days from March to September
- Use of compost or special ornamental grass fertilizer from the trade
- proper and regular pruning in spring
- regular watering during longer periods of drought
- Winter protection against winter wetness
- cover the root area with a thick layer of leaves or brushwood
- Tie the stems and fronds together in a tuft with a soft ribbon
- wrap with jute if necessary, no foil
tip: Large clumps can be propagated by division. To do this, use a sharp spade to cut off part of the rootstock and replant it.
Growth depends on the variety
There are over 600 varieties of American pampas grass. However, only a few of them are native to the gardens in this country. The clump-forming ornamental grass is considered fast growing. However, the annual growth varies greatly from variety to variety. It can easily reach a height of 1 m to 3 m. However, the height growth is to be distinguished as follows:
- Stem growth of 1 to 1.5 m per year depending on the variety
- Flower fronds (August to November) in one season up to a maximum of 3 m
With the development of the flower fronds, the grass has then reached its maximum height. However, it should be noted that perennials newly planted in spring first need some time to get used to and then begin to grow. It is quite possible that the maximum growth height will not be reached until the following year.
tip: Due to its fast growth, the pampas grass should always be used as a solitary plant, as it can quickly crowd out other plants. With a variety combination, a sufficient planting distance is then necessary.
Popular Varieties
25 species of the genus Cortaderia are known worldwide. In addition, there are many subspecies of American pampas grass and only a few of them have become native to this country. There is always a difference in the size and color of the flower fronds. Here is an overview of the most popular varieties.
Cortaderia selloana "Pumila"
- compact bushy growth
- Maximum height 150 cm
- white inflorescences in summer, turning brownish in autumn
- grey-green foliage
- Flowering September to October
Cortaderia selloana "Compacta"
- Growth height 100 to 120 cm and 40 cm wide
- green leaves
- deciduous
- particularly suitable for rock gardens and tubs
- Flower color white to silvery
- Flowering September to October
Cortaderia selloana 'Sunningdale Silver'
- Height up to 300 cm
- blue-green foliage
- Silver-white flower fronds
- the most robust and hardy variety in this country
- Flowering September to October
Cortaderia selloana "Rosea"
- growing up to 250 cm
- arching sprawling growth
- pink fronds
- grey-green foliage
- Flowering September to October
Cortaderia selloana "Evita"
- medium growth height 100 to 150 cm
- yellow flower fronds
- blue-green foliage
- Flowering August to October
Cortaderia selloana "Patagonia"
- medium size up to 150 cm
- light to reddish flower color
- light green foliage
- Flowering September to November
Cortaderia selloana "Aureolineata"
- Growth height up to 250 cm and up to 150 cm wide
- erect stems
- white-silver fronds
- yellow-striped foliage
- Flowering September to October
Cortaderia selloana "Citaro"
- Height up to 250 cm and up to 120 cm in width
- yellow-white fronds
- green foliage
- Flowering August to November
Cortaderia selloana "Silver Comet"
- Growth height 100 to 150 cm and also in width
- creamy yellow flowers
- white-leaved
- Flowering September to November
tip: For a beautiful look, only female plants should be planted. Male flower fronds become quite unsightly after the pollen is dusted.