Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is a beautiful, dramatic plant that adds an exotic touch to any garden. In winter, the leaves of the pampas grass turn a rich gold tone and form a striking contrast to the barren landscape. These hardy plants can withstand temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius, making them perfect for gardens in colder climates. They also thrive in cooler climates. There are several methods for overwintering pampas grass, but here are some of the most common ones you can use.
Overwinter pampas grass – cut back old leaves
Winter is a period of dormancy for most plants, during which growth slows and leaves fall off. However, some plants, such as pampas grass, remain evergreen and continue to grow even in the winter months. If you live in a cold climate, you will need to take extra care of your pampas grass so that it survives the winter. One of the most important steps is cutting back the old foliage. This will prevent the plant from becoming too top-heavy and tipping over during heavy snowfall.
When mustPampasgrasbe cut?Pruning pampas grass is best done in the last days of fall. In addition to cutting back the old foliage, you should also remove stalks that are longer than 30 cm. This helps keep the plant tidy and prevents it from becoming too top-heavy.
Does pampas grass grow back after being cut?Many people are afraid to cut back their pampas grass because they fear it won't grow back. However, this is not the case. Pampas grass is a very resilient plant that recovers quickly after being cut. On the contrary, if you don't prune the plant, it can cause problems.
Important!When trimming pampas grass, remember to wear leather gloves as the leaves are sharp and can damage the skin.
Fertilize pampas grass after cutting:Typically, you will need to fertilize your pampas grass after pruning. This gives the plant the nutrients it needsregrowth in springneeded. You can use any type of fertilizer, but it is recommended to use an 8-8-8 fertilizer or something similar.
Mulch the base of the plant
To protect the tall silvery-white flower clusters from heavy snow and cold winters, you'll need to cover the base of the plant with mulch. Mulching is one of the oldest methods of protecting plants from the cold. This involves placing a layer of material, such as straw, on the ground around the plant. In this way, the roots are insulated and protected from freezing.
Water thoroughly before the first frost:Another step to prepare your pampas grass for winter is to water it thoroughly before the first frost. This will prevent the roots from drying out and the plant from dying.
Cover pampas grass with a cloche
A cloche is a bell-shaped glass or plastic covering that helps retain heat and moisture around the plant. To use a cloche, simply place it over the plant and secure it with stakes or sandbags. The cloche creates a miniature greenhouse effect, keeping the plant warm and protected all winter long.
Important!Just be sure to remove the cloche when the weather warms up again in the spring, as pampas grass does not tolerate heat well.
Also read:Cutting pampas grass in February – yes or no?
How to overwinter and care for pampas grass in a bucket/pot
The first step is to get a large pot with a capacity of at least (38 L) for the young pampas grass. This also means a lot of soil, which makes the plant very heavy. Choose a sunny spot where the plant won't be knocked over by wind or killed by winter, because moving that much weight is just plain stupid. You can also place the pot on wheels to easily move it when needed. Potting soil works well for growing pampas grass in a container, but add some sand or granular material to increase absorbency.
Overwintering Pampas Grass – Final Thoughts
Pampas grass is a focal point in any garden, and it's easy to see why. With its tall clusters of silvery-white flowers, it's a plant that's guaranteed to stand out. And although it is often associated with warm climates, pampas grass is actually quite hardy and can survive cold winters.
By following the tips above, you can overwinter your pampas grass and keep it looking beautiful. Pruning is one of the most important steps. So don't forget to prune it right after the first frost. And don't forget to mulch and cover the base of the plant with a cloche to protect it from the cold.
Also read:How to overwinter an orange tree? Follow these care tips!
Interesting facts and decorative applications
- Pampas grass comes from southern South America, from the Pampas region (hence its name). In the 1970s it was planted in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand primarily as an ornamental grass that was harvested after drying and used for decorative purposes - and in recent years it has become very popular again!
- Pampas grass is actually considered an impressive grass (even an invasive weed in some areas!) and typically grows to a height of 1.5 – 3 m. It is highly adaptable and can grow in a wide range of environments and climates. Pampas grass blooms from September to February, although it is generally available year-round.
- Dyeing pampas grass: Although pampas grass is usually found in its natural color, the feathers can be sprayed with varnish to achieve the desired shade. This is often used when decorating with pampas grass
- Dried pampas grass – lifespan in the vase: Up to 3 years.
What can you combine pampas grass with to create an aesthetic composition in your garden? That isto find out here!
