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Pampas grass is a popular ornamental plant known for its tall, feathery plumes. It can be grown in containers, making it a great choice for small gardens or balconies. Here are some tips on how to grow pampas grass in containers:
1. Choose a large container with good drainage. Pampas grass has deep roots, so a container at least 18 inches deep is ideal.
2. Use a well-draining potting mix. Pampas grass doesn’t like soggy soil, so make sure the mix is light and airy.
3. Place the container in a sunny spot. Pampas grass needs full sun to thrive, so choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight.
4. Water regularly, but don’t overwater. Pampas grass is drought-tolerant once established, so water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
5. Prune in early spring. Cut back the dead foliage and plumes to encourage new growth.
By following these simple steps, you can successfully grow pampas grass in containers and enjoy its beautiful plumes in your garden or on your balcony.
Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana, U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7b through 10b) is a tall, trendy, ornamental grass native to South America. While grasses with plumes like pampas are highly desired for their soft, bohemian appearance, pampas grass is also an aggressively growing perennial species that is now considered invasive in many regions. If you want to incorporate a grass alternative like pampas grass into your landscape design without endangering your local wildlife, consider growing pampas grass in containers.
Cultivating Pampas Grass in Containers
A successful pampas grass container project starts with two key questions: Where and when? Where will the pampas grass be located in your yard? Pampas grass thrives in bright, sunny locations, so find a spot in your yard where your pampas plant can receive ample sunlight.
As for timing, when is the best time to plant pampas grass? Planting ornamental grasses, such as pampas grass, is best done in the autumn. This is because although the above-ground parts of these plants generally become dormant between fall and winter, their roots continue to grow. Therefore, if you plant these beautiful grasses in the fall, you are providing them with enough time to establish their roots during the colder months so that they are ready to grow into tall, plume-filled grasses when spring and summer arrive.
How to Plant Pampas Grass in Containers
Once you have determined the where and when, begin planting pampas grass in containers by acquiring large 10-gallon nursery pots with sufficient drainage holes. Pampas grass can grow up to 10 feet tall, so it requires a substantial soil base to provide adequate protection and nourishment. Fill your pot one-third full with a mixture of potting soil and a small amount of sand to improve drainage. If possible, incorporate some quality compost into your soil mixture for added nutrients. The ideal blend would consist of equal parts potting soil and compost.
Next, place the root ball of your pampas plant into the pot. If the roots are tightly bound from being in the original container, gently loosen them with your fingers. Once the root ball is in place, fill the pot to the rim with the potting soil and compost mixture. The root ball should be completely covered and should not protrude from the top of the pot. Water your newly potted pampas grass plant until water flows out through the drainage holes. Additionally, if you are planting younger, less stable pampas plants, use a stake to support their growth. Insert the stake into the soil and loosely secure the pampas grass to it with a garden tie.
If you prefer to start this process with pampas grass seeds instead of transplants, place approximately five seeds into sterile seed-starting soil inside a 4-inch potting container. Position your seedlings indoors in a sunny location. Keep the soil consistently moist for four to six weeks before transplanting the new pampas plants into larger pots.
Taking Care of Your Potted Pampas Plant
Although pampas grass can withstand dry conditions naturally, when it is kept in a pot instead of the ground, it will require regular watering on a weekly basis. To maintain its size and overall health, it is recommended to divide your pampas grass every three years and replant it in two to three separate pots, depending on the plant’s growth.
Another important point to consider when dealing with pampas grass is its sharp foliage. It is crucial to place your pampas grass in an area where it won’t come into contact with you or your house guests. Additionally, when tending to these plants, always wear gardening gloves to protect your hands.
