In a good location, pampas grass requires little maintenance. The ornamental grass is robust and not very susceptible to diseases. Problems usually arise when you do not take care of the plant properly or when you cut it at the wrong time. What you need to consider when caring for pampas grass.

With the right care, the pampas grass can grow to a considerable height

How is pampas grass poured?

Although pampas grass prefers a dry, water-permeable soil, the ornamental grass must not be completely dry. Therefore, water regularly so that the soil never dries out completely.

If you grow pampas grass in a bucket, the liquid requirement is much higher. Here you have to water every day, especially on warm summer days.

But make sure that no waterlogging forms. The plant pot should definitely have drainage holes so that excess water can drain off.

How do I fertilize pampas grass?

The best fertilizer for pampas grass is garden compost. It contains all the nutrients that ornamental grass needs. If you don't have compost, get some organic fertilizer that doesn't have too much nitrogen. Like all grasses, pampas grass responds to excess nitrogen with mottled leaves and reduced flowering.

Once a month outdoors, spread some compost around the plant and rake it in lightly.

With pampas grass in the tub, you have to provide new nutrients more often. Special liquid fertilizers for ornamental grasses are the best choice for this. Give the fertilizer according to the instructions.

When should pampas grass be cut?

Ideally, pampas grass should not be cut until spring. The best time to prune is March, before the plant begins to bud properly. Some new shoots should already be visible inside the clump.

Cut the old, dried shoots down to about 15 centimeters. Be careful not to damage the young shoots.

When do I repot pampas grass in the bucket?

The best time for repotting is spring. When you get the pampas grass out of winter quarters, cut off the old shoots. If the pot ball is heavily rooted, you should place the ornamental grass in fresh soil and, if necessary, in a larger bucket. You can also simply divide the root ball and multiply the ornamental grass.

Which diseases and pests occur?

The only pest that can really damage pampas grass is the aphid. With a stronger infestation, the lice leave a sticky mass on the leaves, which forms the breeding ground for sooty mold, also known as black mold.

Aphids should therefore be combated, especially in younger plants. Rinse the leaves with soapy water or use commercial anti-lice sprays.

Diseases appear in the form of fungal infections. A bad location with too much or too little soil moisture is usually responsible for this. It often helps to adjust the water requirement.

Why isn't my pampas grass blooming?

If the pampas grass does not develop fronds in the first few years, this is quite normal. The perennial needs some time to settle in properly and to develop the decorative inflorescences.

The flowering period of pampas grass does not begin until July, with some varieties even as late as September. You just need a little patience with these perennials.

Other reasons for missing flowers can be:

  • too shady location
  • Soil too dry or too moist
  • insufficient nutrients in the soil
  • Young shoots were injured when cutting

Why should I tie up the pampas grass in the fall?

Pampas grass is not cut in the fall. Instead, the tall fronds and leaves are tied together in bundles. There's a good reason for that.

The fronds tied together protect the inside of the perennial, the nest, from winter moisture. If too much moisture gets into the plant, the roots begin to rot and the pampas grass dies.

Does outdoor pampas grass need winter protection?

Basically, pampas grass is hardy. For older plants, you don't need to do anything other than tying them up. However, if the ornamental grass is in an unprotected, windy spot, you should provide light winter protection.

For younger plants, it is advisable to cover the pampas grass with leaves or other materials to protect it from frost.

How do I overwinter pampas grass in a bucket?

If you grow pampas grass in a tub, winter protection is always required. Place the bucket in a frost-free, bright place. Cool corridors or cold conservatories are suitable. Pampas grass cannot be overwintered in the room not only because of its size, but also because of the heat.

You can also overwinter the pampas grass outside in a sheltered place on the balcony or terrace. Then you should place the bucket on a piece of wood or a styrofoam plate (€35.50) and protect it from the cold with bubble wrap, sackcloth or fir branches.

tips

You should be careful not only with the care, but even when walking past the plant. The sharp-edged blades are very sharp and can seriously injure you. You must therefore wear gloves, long-sleeved clothing and, if possible, protective goggles when caring for your pet.

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Herbs