Take Advantage Of Pampas Grass - Read These 8 Tips

 There are a limited number of ornamental plants which are so spectacular in their appearance, they can really transform a garden from being ordinary to being special. One of these may be the Pampas grass, Cortaderia sellowiana, from Argentina. Unfortunately it can also be highly problematical to maintain, and also dangerous to those who use the garden. This is the pity, because as an enormous ornamental grass, it is possibly unmatched in its capacity to provide drama and a feeling of movement in the garden.

The danger comes from the leaves of the Pampas grass. They're serrated across the edge, making them as sharp as a carpenter's saw. Actually the plant's botanical name, Cortaderia, hails from the Spanish word cortar, "to cut". For this reason Pampas grass shouldn't be planted where children will probably run about and play, nor near paths and entrance ways. Considering that it could cover some 2 meters wide, it can only be considered as an option in the garden, when Large pampas grass granted a lot of space.

Another serious problem connected with Cortaderia is its potential to spread as an uncontrollable weed, so much in order that some plant nurseries in america have stopped propagating the species altogether. The chance only arises though when male and female plants should be found in each others proximity. In Israel, where I come from, we don't have this problem, because the plants are propagated vegetatively, from female specimens only.

Design considerations

The Pampas grass, together with its massive plumes, can reach a height of 3-5 meters, spreading outwards from its base to form a large clump some 1-2 meters wide. The blooms, specially the female ones, are particularly beautiful. Clearly, the role of the plant is that of a center point. In this regard, general design knowledge and good taste come into play. As the dominant aspect in a composition, it should not have to compete for attention with other eye catching elements like flower beds, sculptural plants, or species with unusually colored foliage.

As a grass, it obviously associates well with other ornamental grass-like plants. Indeed a complete composition could be built around the Pampas because the centerpiece, supported by grasses that reach in regards to a meter in height like types of Miscanthus and Pennisetum setaceum, while a carpet is constructed of low growing plants of similar form and habit, such as Carex, Festuca, Liriope, and Ophiopogon japonicum.

Cortaderia is highly suitable for gardening in a dry climate where water reaches a premium. It can get by pretty much with modest additions through the dry months, requiring perhaps some 300mm on the year. Planted in a large bed of ornamental pebbles, it can create a stunning center point, while the total water usage of the bed all together, could actually be less than 200mm each year. (200 liters per meter square)

Care and maintenance

The tendency of the Pampas grass to dry out at its base, coupled with the down sides gardeners have in eliminating dead elements of the plant, is another factor behind the reluctance to use the plant. However, that is another stumbling block which might be dealt with relative ease. The clump should simply be cut down to the bottom every 2-3 years, by using a hedge trimmer, or mechanical strimmer. (Weed whacker) The work is best carried out towards the end of the wintertime.