Table of contents
- growth
- types of growth
- accelerate growth
Pampas grass, whose botanical name is Cortaderia selloana, is definitely an eye-catcher in every garden. It is suitable as a visually appealing accent as well as a privacy screen. Since it is also extremely easy to care for and relatively undemanding, it is not surprising that this American sweet grass has become one of the most popular garden plants of all. Last but not least, its amazingly fast, luxuriant growth is also impressive.
growth
Pampas grass grows extremely fast. This is now common knowledge. However, the question naturally arises as to how fast it is growing. First of all, the answer to this question depends on the variety that the garden owner has chosen. Of the more than 600 known varieties worldwide, only about a dozen have made it into our gardens, but the annual increase in height differs considerably in some cases. In general, it can be said that the growth per year is between one and three meters. Compared to almost all other plants in the garden, these are extremely high values. Whether the respective variety actually grows three meters or only one meter plays a rather subordinate role. Popular varieties are:
- Cortaderia selloana Aureolineata, maximum height 250 cm
- Cortaderia selloana Citaro, maximum height 250 cm
- Cortaderia selloana Compacta, maximum height 120 cm
- Cortaderia selloana Evita, maximum height 150 cm
- Cortaderia selloana Patagonia, maximum height 150 cm
- Cortaderia selloana Pumila, maximum height 150 cm
- Cortaderia selloana Rosea. Maximum height 250 cm
- Cortaderia selloana Silver Comet, maximum height 150 cm
- Cortaderia selloana Sunningdale Silver, maximum height 300 cm
A notice:
Pampas grass only grows in the growth phase, which lasts from spring to early autumn. In winter, the plant, which is not fully hardy, stops growing altogether.
types of growth
You have to distinguish between three types of growth in pampas grass. First of all, there is the so-called stem growth, which is between one and 1.5 meters per year, depending on the variety. The growth of the so-called flower fronds, on the other hand, can be up to a maximum of three meters in the period from August to November. If these flower fronds are fully developed in autumn, the maximum height of the grass has also been reached. Finally, as a third type, there would be the growth of the rootstock, which in this case is called a hoard. It averages several centimeters a year.
accelerate growth
Even if the pampas grass already shows something like a turbo growth, you can still speed it up. This happens above all through a perfect location and good care. The following factors are of crucial importance:
- sandy to stony soil
- extremely water-permeable soil
- no waterlogging occurring
- sunny and sheltered location
- Fortnightly fertilizing from March to September
- Use compost and special ornamental grass fertilizer
- regular watering in dry summers
- annual pruning in spring
- good winter protection by covering the root area
Tip:
The leaves of the pampas grass are very sharp and often lead to injuries. It is therefore essential to wear gloves for all care measures to accelerate growth.
Home editorial office
Learn more about ornamental grasses
cutting bamboo | When and how to cut back bamboo?
Be it as a hedge, solitaire or ground cover, bamboo can be seen more and more often in home gardens. Because the sweet grass is easy to care for and easy to grow. However, the latter can quickly become a problem if the plants are not pruned regularly.
11 Tips for Cutting Grasses | Tools & Co.
Cutting ornamental grass works best with our tips: From choosing the right tool to right time - we have the most useful tips and tricks for you for the annual grass cut summarized.
Switchgrass, Panicum virgatum: Care from A – Z
Switchgrass is an upright-growing, clump-forming grass with narrow leaves. The species is considered to be easy to care for and makes few demands on location and soil. Read how to optimally plant and care for Panicum virgatum.
Zebra grass, Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus': care from A - Z
In botanical jargon, zebra grass is also called Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus'. The plants can be used wonderfully as privacy screens and are decorative. From care in the tub to overwintering: You can find information on care from A - Z here.
Grow pampas grass from seeds: we explain how
Pampas grass is considered easy to cultivate and can be successfully propagated by breeding. Under controlled conditions in the planter, the germination success is higher than with direct outdoor sowing. The procedures regarding substrate, choice of location and care hardly differ in these variants.
Grasses as a privacy screen: 20 tall grasses
Numerous grasses are ideal as privacy screens! We present the 20 most popular grasses in this article!