White Pampas Grass - Cortaderia Selloana

White Pampas Grass - Cortaderia Selloana
£10.95

Growing white pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is a wonderful way to add a striking ornamental grass to your landscape. The tall, feathery plumes of white pampas grass are especially beautiful when they sway in the wind. Here’s how you can grow and care for white pampas grass:

1. Choosing the Right Location

  • Sunlight: Pampas grass requires full sun to thrive. Choose a spot that gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day.

  • Soil: It grows best in well-drained soil but can tolerate a variety of soil types. Make sure the soil isn’t too heavy or waterlogged, as this can cause root rot.

  • Space: Pampas grass can grow quite large, reaching up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Be sure to plant it in an area where it has plenty of space to spread out.

2. Planting White Pampas Grass

  • When to Plant: The best time to plant pampas grass is in the spring after the last frost or in early summer when the soil is warm.

  • Planting Distance: Space the plants about 4–6 feet apart to give them room to grow.

  • Planting Depth: Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball, and plant the grass at the same depth it was in the container. Fill the hole with soil and water thoroughly after planting.

3. Watering

  • New Plants: After planting, keep the soil consistently moist for the first few weeks while the roots establish. However, be sure not to overwater, as pampas grass prefers to dry out between waterings.

  • Established Plants: Once established, pampas grass is drought-tolerant and requires little watering. Water it during dry spells if the grass appears to be stressed.

4. Fertilizing

  • In Spring: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Use a slow-release granular fertilizer or a water-soluble one.

  • Don’t Overfertilize: Too much fertilizer can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Use a moderate amount of fertilizer to support the plant's growth without encouraging excessive leafiness.

5. Pruning and Maintenance

  • Pruning: Pampas grass benefits from an annual pruning. In late winter or early spring (before new growth begins), cut back the old foliage to a few inches above the ground. This will encourage fresh growth and prevent the plant from looking too scraggly.

  • Deadheading: Remove faded flower plumes as needed to keep the plant looking tidy and to encourage additional blooms.

  • Dividing: If the plant becomes too large or crowded over time, you can divide it every 2 to 3 years to keep it healthy.

6. Winter Care

  • Cold Protection: To protect during winter months, you might want to mulch around the base of the plant to protect it from the cold. This will help insulate the roots from frost.

  • Winter Interest: Even in winter, pampas grass can provide some ornamental value with its remaining foliage and plumes, which can turn a silvery color.