Description
Most people are familiar with the large clumps of lush grass-like foliage and creamy white feathery plumes of pampas grass (though pink varieties are available too). Pampas grass (Cortaderia) is an attractive ornamental grass that is popular in many landscapes. While theyre extremely easy to grow however its important to know what youre getting into before planting pampas grass around the home. Dont be so quick to plant it simply because it looks good. Its actually a very fast grower and can become quite large anywhere from 5 and 10 feet high and wide and even invasive. Growing Pampass Grass Before growing pampas grass be sure to put it somewhere in the landscape where it has plenty of room to grow especially when planting more than one. When mass planting pampas grass youll have to space them about 6 to 8 feet apart. Pampas grass enjoys areas with full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It also tolerates a wide range of soil types but prefers moist well-draining soil. Another plus side to growing pampas grass is its tolerance of drought wind and salt spraysawhich is why you commonly see the plant along coastal regions. The grass is hardy in USDA zones 7-11 but in well protected areas it can also be grown in Zone 6. Its not suited for cold regions unless grown in pots and brought indoors over winter and replanted outdoors in spring.
