Pampas grass doesn’t just shoot up toward the sky every year; its base (or “clump”) also expands outward as it ages. Over time, you might notice the center starting to look a little thin or even going completely bald. The best way to fix this and get your plant looking lush again is by dividing the roots.
Spring into Action
If you’re wondering when to tackle this project, spring is your best bet. If your goal is simply to rejuvenate an old plant, dividing it in early spring gives it a fresh start for the new gardening season, allowing it to grow and bloom with renewed energy. On the other hand, if you’re looking to propagate your pampas grass, dividing it now gives those new sections all summer and fall to establish themselves at their new location so they’re strong enough to survive the winter.
Division is Way Easier Than Sowing Seeds
When it comes to multiplying your pampas grass, I always recommend division over starting from seed. Sowing seeds is honestly a bit of a hassle—you pretty much have to start them indoors in early spring to get anywhere. Plus, you’d need to buy professional seeds. If you try to use seeds you’ve collected yourself, you might end up with a plant that never actually flowers. Male pampas grass plants usually produce very few plumes, or sometimes none at all!
How to Do It Right
Whether you’re thinning out an old plant or trying to get a few “freebies” for the rest of your yard, the process is pretty straightforward:
- Dig up the root ball, either entirely or just the section you want to remove.
- Use a sharp spade to slice right through the center of the clump.
- For really large, established clumps, you can also break off smaller sections from the outer edges one by one.
Just a quick tip: if you want those new pieces to survive and thrive, make sure each division is at least the size of a man’s fist.
