There are several reasons why a pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) should be transplanted. This works without any problems if you pay attention to a few details and follow the step-by-step instructions below.
In a nutshell
- Pampas grasses tolerate transplanting well
- Ensure sufficient planting depth
- Better to pry out the plant instead of digging it up
Table of contents
- Best transplant time
- Frost-free transplanting period
- fall transplant
- Preparation of the planting hole
- Step-by-step instructions
- Transplant pampas grass into containers
- frequently asked Questions
Best transplant time
The ideal time for transplanting Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is given in spring after the cut was done. Cutting reduces the risk of injuring yourself on the sharp edges of the leaves. Mainly, however, spring is the best time because the growing season is approaching and the roots can establish themselves more quickly in the new location due to the start of growth. This significantly reduces the risk of the plant dying and especially of frostbite in the following winter.
Frost-free transplanting period
The best time for pruning is between late March and early April. Transplanting can take place immediately afterwards. However, it is advisable to wait until after the ice saints in mid-May. Transplanting always causes stress in the grasses, which in combination with late frost to root damage and possibly a deadly weakening of plants.
fall transplant
Theoretically, transplanting is also possible in autumn. Since the roots here at the end of the vegetation period can no longer properly establish themselves until the first frost, one is essential adequate protection against the cold to respect.
Tip: Always wear gloves, long-sleeved clothing and safety goggles when cutting and transplanting to protect yourself from the sharp edges of leaves and pointed culms.
Preparation of the planting hole
It is optimal if the planting hole at the new location is already prepared before starting work. The following should be considered:
- Planting distance at least 1 meter
- Planting hole size: twice as wide and deep as root ball
- Notch/pierce the bottom of the planting hole with a spade
- Lay out drainage on planting soil to avoid waterlogging
- lay out at least two to three centimeters of fine gravel, broken pottery or quartz sand
- Mix excavated soil with potting soil about 1:1
Step-by-step instructions
For transplanting, you have to proceed in a certain order when planting out and planting again and pay attention to a few details.
Plant out:
- prick the outer root area of the root ball with a spade
- Guide the spade under the root ball and lift the plant
- Grasp the lower leaf area and pull pampas grass completely out of the planting hole
- Place the bales in a water bath until no more bubbles rise or are planted
A notice: The higher the root system (the eyrie) of the pampas grass, the deeper the roots reach into the earth and accordingly deeper you have to dig.
planting:
- Put the plant straight in the planting hole (do not bend the roots)
- fill the planting hole with the mixed excavated earth
- Press the surface of the earth lightly for more stability
- create a small mound of earth around the root area so that water does not run off to the side
- water moderately
- Any soil sagging should be filled with soil in the weeks after planting
- keep soil evenly slightly moist; never let it dry out
Transplant pampas grass into containers
The transplanting of Pampas grass in tubs is carried out in principle in the same way as with bed transplanting. It is important that a sufficiently large container is selected. The bucket diameter should be at least 40 centimeters for smaller root balls. For larger root balls, double the circumference.
Since there is a limit to the pot sizes, root balls that are too wide and long root strands should be shortened before transplanting. In order for them to grow well, there should be a minimum distance of 15 centimeters from the outermost root ball to the bucket wall and the ground. Otherwise, more frequent transplanting and, if necessary, shortening of the roots is necessary. It is also essential to ensure that drainage is installed when transplanting the tub.
frequently asked Questions
A suitable location is sunny and sheltered from the wind. It should have at least one meter of space on all sides. When it comes to the soil, make sure that it has a high level of permeability and that the soil is rich in nutrients and humus. It should also be deep and relaxed. Another important criterion is soil moisture. Pampas grass does not tolerate waterlogging. Therefore, a sloping terrain is unsuitable as a location if masses of water flow down there.
Yes. Transplanting is even an ideal time for root division and propagation. To do this, stab with a spade simply cut off a section from above between the stalks. Depending on the extent of the root, several "new plants" can be created in this way and planted separately. But make sure that the root of the mother plant should be reduced to a maximum of one third of the original size so that the supply continues to work.
Although the roots usually settle well when transplanted in spring to autumn and the onset of frost, protection from the cold should be provided in good time, especially for young specimens. This also applies to divided pampas grasses, because newly grown root tips are more sensitive to cold. The Straws are tied together and the above-ground root area covered with a thick layer of leaves, pine needles or straw. From the second winter, tying the stems together is usually sufficient.
