Pampas grass, whose botanical name is Cortaderia selloana, is definitely an eye-catcher in every garden. It is suitable as a visually attractive accent as well as a privacy screen. Since it is also extremely easy to care for and relatively frugal, it is not surprising that this American sweet grass has developed into one of the most popular garden plants. Last but not least, its amazingly fast, lush growth is also impressive.
growth
Pampas grass grows extremely quickly. This is now generally known. However, the question naturally arises as to how fast it is growing. The answer to this question depends first of all on the variety that a garden owner has chosen
Has. Of the more than 600 varieties known worldwide, only about a dozen have made it into our gardens, but even with them the annual increase in height differs considerably in some cases. In general, it can be said that the growth is between one and three meters per year. 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
Note: Pampas grass only grows in the growth phase, which extends from spring to early autumn. In winter, the plant, which is not completely hardy, stops growing completely.
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. When these fronds are fully developed in autumn, the maximum height of the
Accelerate growth
Even if the pampas grass itself shows something like turbo growth, it can still be accelerated. This is mainly done through a perfect location and good care. The following factors are of decisive importance:
- sandy to stony soil
- extremely permeable soil
- no waterlogging that occurs
- sunny and sheltered location
- 14-day fertilization from March to September
- Use compost and special ornamental grass fertilizers
- 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-edged and often lead to injuries. Gloves should therefore be worn for all care measures aimed at accelerating growth.