Pampas grass privacy screen for terrace and balcony (with pictures)

Pampas grass as a privacy screen for patios and gardens

Due to its growth height of up to 3 meters, it will pampas grass also used in this country as a natural privacy screen. Compared to metal or wooden constructions, a plant-based alternative is much more informal and also offers added value for animals of all kinds.

Pampas grass as a hedge

Not all varieties of Cortoaderia selloana are suitable for creating an opaque hedge. Above all, high-growing and at the same time bushy species should be used for this. These include the white pampas grass **Citaro, Rosa Feder and the genus Sunningdale Silver. The minimum growth height for these varieties is 2 meters. They also impress with a dense tuft that continues to grow over the years. Check out this one for more tips on growing pampas grass

article .

Regardless of the variety selected, the location of the planned hedge also plays a crucial role in its thriving. The site should be in full sun, but should be protected from strong weather conditions such as wind and rain. In the worst case, these can lead to the hollow stalks snapping off, which can then no longer be straightened up by themselves. In addition, a minimum distance of 1 to 1.20 meters should be maintained between the individual plants of the hedge.

In this article we have explained why an appropriate planting distance must be maintained article summarized.

Pampas grass as a perennial bed

The ornamental grass is also suitable as a bed planting and can be combined with numerous other plants. In any case, these should prefer a similar location and have a comparable maintenance effort. In addition, it is advisable to select plants with different growth heights. This ensures that each plant has sufficient exposure to light and, if the plants are kept at a distance of around one meter, also has the appropriate ventilation. Additional tips for combining Cortaderia selloana with other plants are here linked.

Next to the color design options with the pampas grass itself, a beautiful play of colors can also be created with the help of the planting partners. In practice, the following plants in particular have proven themselves in a bed planting:

• aster
• blue diamond
• feather grass
• sedum
• Pennisetum grass
• lavender
• splendor candle
• riding grass
• coneflower

Pampas grass as a privacy screen in the bucket

Pampas grass can also be easily cultivated in a bucket. Due to the limited space available, however, the selection of the variety is of crucial importance. Nevertheless, the bucket should be large enough from the outset to provide the ornamental grass with enough opportunities for the roots to grow. It is also advisable to equip the planter with enough drainage holes and a drainage layer to prevent waterlogging and winter moisture and the subsequent root rot.

As with outdoor planting, the location should be in a sunny and sheltered spot. Further information on the preferred conditions is available here to find. Depending on the size of the pot, no more than one other plant should be planted. Ideally, you should provide each plant with its own planter. This type of planting also allows you a high degree of flexibility, since the arrangements can be changed at any time.

Pampas grass privacy screen for the balcony in the bucket

But the ornamental grass is not only a popular privacy screen for the terrace and garden. Many balcony owners have also recognized the advantages of bushy grass to protect privacy. In comparison to outdoor or container planting in the garden, however, some special features must be observed, which will be discussed below.

Pampas grass - varieties for the balcony

Depending on the size of the balcony, the open space available for cultivating plants also varies. Even low-growing grass species that do not exceed a height of one meter need a soil volume of at least 40 liters in order to be able to grow optimally. For cultivation in window boxes(€54.00 at Amazon*) Cortaderia selloana is therefore not suitable. If you still want to plant grasses in your boxes, you should use lamp cleaner grass.

Despite the different growth heights, the aforementioned preferred site conditions do not differ from each other. The location should preferably be in a south or south-east orientation and be protected from strong weather influences.

We have given you an overview of the most well-known varieties here compiled. In addition, see this article Article additional information on low-growing species.

Pumila. The Pumila variety reaches a maximum height of one meter and a maximum growth width of 1.20 meters. The flower fronds are very long in relation to the overall size, measuring more than ten centimeters in length. The fronds can usually be admired in their white-silver coloring from September to October.

Tiny pampa. With a growth height and width of 60 centimeters, the Tiny Pampa genus is one of the smallest of its kind. The flower spikes of this variety are also very large at over ten centimeters and usually white in colour. The flowering period of this ornamental grass begins in June and lasts until September.

Mini Silver. The subspecies Mini Silver is best known for its decorative silvery inflorescences and the adapted leaf color. With a regular flowering period from September to November, the ornamental grass is more of a late bloomer. In addition, with a growth height of up to one meter, it is one of the rather taller-growing small plants of the species.

Planters for the balcony

In principle, there are no limits to the selection of the planter, but there are some General conditions to be observed in order to provide the pampas grass with sufficient space for growth place.

• at least 40 centimeters in diameter
• at least 40 liters capacity
• multiple drainage holes at the bottom

The ornamental grass acknowledges both a too high and a too low moisture content as well as a too shady location with a reduced growth and the absence of the panicles. In addition, the soil should have a humus and nutrient-rich structure. For this reason, we recommend using a special soil that contains all the necessary nutrients and the right consistency. The location should be exposed to direct sunlight for at least five hours a day, so ideally it should be south or south-east oriented. Supplementary care instructions for potted plants are here to find.

It is suitable for both the balcony and the terrace flower box(€31.00 at Amazon*) Ondis24 brand volcano. With dimensions of 0.8 m x 0.3 m x 0.3 m (LxWxH), the tub made of robust plastic can be placed almost anywhere. In order to meet the requirements of the pampas grass in terms of avoiding waterlogging, boreholes for water drainage are highlighted in the floor area. In addition, a water reservoir is installed in the lower area, which collects excess liquid.

The wooden barrel from Temesso, which is made from a used wine barrel, is a real eye-catcher. With a capacity of around 100 liters and a diameter of 70 centimetres, this planter needs a little more space. Despite the use of oak wood, the vat is completely waterproof and weatherproof. For use as a planter, you should drill additional holes in the ground.

FAQ

How fast does pampas grass grow?

The maximum growth height and speed of the ornamental grass depends on the selected variety. While small varieties can grow up to 100 centimeters per year, tall varieties achieve growth rates of up to 300 centimeters per year.

What planting distance for pampas grass as a hedge?

Despite the desire to make a hedge as opaque as possible, a planting distance of 1.00 to 1.20 meters should be maintained between the individual plants. Falling below this minimum distance leads to reduced growth of the respective plant.

Which pampas grass for the balcony?

Short-growing varieties, which are also suitable for planting in containers, are primarily suitable for balcony planting. Some suitable species include Evita, Compacta, Mini Silver, Pumila, Patagonia, and Tiny Pampa.

Which pampas grass variety for privacy protection?

When installing a privacy screen, you should primarily rely on bushy and tall-growing varieties. The best-known representatives of Cortaderia selloana include Citaro, Silverstar, pink and white feather, and American pampas grass.

How tall does pampas grass get?

With appropriate site conditions and good care, the ornamental grass can reach a height of up to 3 meters. Specimens planted outdoors usually reach a significantly higher growth height than species transplanted in pots. Further information on the maximum growth height of the pampas grass are in this article compiled for you.