How to Plant and Care for Pampas Grass

Everything you need to know to grow lush, green pampas grass in your garden

Co-authored by Grant Wallace and Sophia Bell

Last Updated: December 22, 2023 Approved

Pampas grass has made its way onto the invasive weed list in California and Texas, and been completely banned in New Zealand and Hawaii due to its ability to thrive and take over an area. However, many people in other locations use this ornamental grass with large plume-like flowers to decorate their yards, gardens, and pool areas.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Interview.} To grow pampas grass, choose a sunny location with fertile soil, plant young pampas grass plants or seeds, occasionally water, fertilize, and prune your grass, and watch it thrive.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing to Plant

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Plant pampas grass in spring.^{[2]
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Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Interview.} Your grass will need lots of sun, and only a small amount of water, so planting in fall or winter months could hinder your grass’s growth.^{[3]
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- Because pampas grass grows so large, it grows better outside in the lawn or garden, rather than in containers. Due to its size and also the sharpness of its leaves, it does not make a good indoor plant.
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Choose a location. You’ll want a spot with plenty of room as pampas grass grows tall as well as spreads wide. Choose an area with full sun to partial shade.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Interview.} Locations receiving at least 6 hours of sunlight daily are best for maximum growth.^{[5]
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- This grass can grow to be over 10 ft (3 m) tall. It makes for an excellent natural fence.
- Do not place pampas grass near roadways or driveways; the tall and bushy grass can interfere with lines of sight.
- The plant should also not be placed too close to central air conditioning units as the long leaves can become caught in the fans.
- Pampas grass leaves have sharp edges, so avoid planting in an area where young children play.
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Pampas grass grows best in areas with well-drained, fertile soil. Till the soil to aerate it then add an organic compost, peat moss, or manure to help fertilize the grass. Choose a loamy variety to ensure the soil will drain well.^{[6]
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Part 2

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Planting Your Grass

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Plant seeds. If you’d like to plant seeds rather than young plants, sow them directly onto the prepared soil. They need light to germinate, so don’t cover them with soil. You can, however, rake the area lightly to prevent the seeds from blowing away or being eaten by birds. Water very lightly to ensure the seeds don’t wash away.^{[7]
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- Seeds take between 20 and 25 days to germinate.
Alternatively, you can plant young pampas grass instead of starting with seeds. Starting with young plants helps your pampas grass establish itself as well as grow quickly. You can find young pampas grass plants at many nurseries, garden shops, and even hardware stores. If you can’t find it locally, order it online.
Using a shovel, dig holes that are three times as wide and three times as deep as the root system on your young pampas grass plant. This will give the roots room to spread and establish themselves. This species grows rapidly, so you’ll need to place holes at least 6 ft (1.8 m) apart if planting multiple clumps of pampas grass.^{[8]
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Use your hands to gently separate the root ball. This will help your roots take hold in the soil as well as absorb moisture more easily.^{[9]
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Gently position the plant so that it is upright in the middle of the hole. Backfill the dirt around the plant. You can add sand to the soil if your chosen area does not drain well. Gently pat down the dirt or sand to ensure the plant is placed sturdily.
Give your newly-planted pampas grass lots of water to ensure the soil is seated and that the plant will take root. You should keep the soil evenly moist until your pampas grass has established itself.^{[10]
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Grant Wallace
Landscaper

Expert Interview. 6 December 2022.}^{[11]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Caring for Your Grass

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Pampas grass can thrive in many conditions, and will adapt to its location. You need only water the ornamental grass once every couple of weeks for the first year of growth. Water more frequently during periods of extreme drought. No watering is needed after the plant is well established.^{[12]
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Fertilize the grass. During the first year, fertilize up to three times. After the first year, fertilize only once per year. Use a high-quality garden fertilizer to enhance the beauty of the flowers.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Grant Wallace
Landscaper

Expert Interview. 6 December 2022.}^{[14]
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- It may take up to three years for your pampas grass to flower.
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Prune established pampas grass.^{[15]
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Expert Source

Grant Wallace
Landscaper

Expert Interview. 6 December 2022.}c Use trimmers to prune your grass in the late winter or early spring months. You can also tie a piece of rope around the plant, about 4 ft (1.2 m) from the ground and use a power weed trimmer to cut the grass. Remove all the foliage and flower stalks above 12 in (30 cm) in height.^{[16]
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- Be careful and wear long sleeves and gloves when pruning and handling your pampas grass plants as the edges are sharp.
- Cut through the clumps after pruning to divide them. The sliced clump can then be planted elsewhere.
Tie the leaves of the grass together with string in November to allow water to drain from the plant. This will prevent shock during the cold months.
If you live in an area where temperatures dip below freezing, you’ll want to put straw or mulch over the roots of your pampas grass before frost season. Alternatively, you can cover the roots with a fleece wrap.
Luckily, pampas grass is almost entirely disease-free. However, pampas grass can occasionally develop spots. Simply use a fungicide to quickly get rid it. Pampas grass is also rarely eaten by animals, but it can serve as a great habitat for them. Because of this, it’s a good idea to search your pampas grass from time to time to ensure that no unwanted guests are residing inside.

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Is pampas grass invasive?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

Yes, pampas grass is an invasive species. It is a plant that displaces others.

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What is the zone for pampas grass?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

Pampas grass is native to Brazil. In the U.S., it can be found in plant zones 8-12.

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How much sun does pampas grass need?

Maggie Moran
Home & Garden Specialist
Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.

Maggie Moran

Home & Garden Specialist

Expert Answer

They will grow in partial shade but are truly meant for full sun locations.

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