Many gardeners value pampas grass because it grows so quickly, forms a dense privacy screen, and bears decorative flowers. In smaller gardens, size can be an issue as the ornamental grass narrows pathways and poses a threat with its razor-sharp leaves. But you can easily reduce pampas grass by cutting it off.

pampas grass grows very large; the height can be limited by cutting off

Reduce pampas grass by cutting off

Pampas grass grows from a clump, as the root system is called. The young shoots appear inside, pushing the old shoots to the edge. In the course of time, the eyrie will grow in size in this way.

If the plant has grown too large, reduce the clump by cutting off parts or dividing it in the middle.

The best time for stabbing

Opinions differ on when the best time to cut off pampas grass is. Some gardeners do this work in the spring, others get to work in the fall.

If you divide the perennial in autumn, you must ensure good winter protection.

Scoop out the pampas grass in the bucket

Pampas grass in the tub also gets bigger and bigger over time. If you don't want to keep buying new pots, cut out the pampas grass in the spring. Then you have to repot the perennial frequently anyway.

This is how pampas grass is cut off

Expose part of the clump or dig up the root as much as possible. With a sharp spade, either pierce the center of the root or separate individual pieces of root from the edge.

If you would like to use the root parts obtained by cutting them off for propagation, they should:

  • be at least the size of a man's fist
  • have at least two eyes
  • not be lazy

If no propagation of the pampas grass is planned, you can also use a saw or an ax to reduce the root ball. Just make sure that you do not damage any new shoots in the middle, because the ornamental grass will then no longer bloom.

tips

You don't necessarily have to dig up the clump of a very large pampas grass if you want to cut off parts of it. Divide it by sticking a long spade into the sides or center as deeply as possible. Then all you have to do is take the section out of the ground.

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