As the name suggests, the different varieties of pampas grass originally hail from South America. Because of those tropical roots, this grass has some very specific preferences when it comes to where it lives in your yard. To get those iconic plumes, you really need to focus on one thing above all else: plenty of daily sunshine.
Finding the Perfect Sunny Spot
Since it’s used to southern climates, sunlight is the “make or break” factor for pampas grass. Even a bit of partial shade can cause problems. In the shade, that famous rapid growth slows down to a crawl. If you’re planning to use pampas grass as a fast-growing privacy hedge, you absolutely have to pick a spot that gets full sun. Also, try to find a location that’s somewhat sheltered from the wind so those tall stalks don’t get battered around.
Well-Draining Soil is Key
Pampas grass is just as picky about soil moisture as it is about light. This ornamental grass is actually quite drought-tolerant; you should only grab the watering can when the top layer of soil feels completely dry. On the flip side, pampas grass absolutely hates “wet feet.” If the soil stays soggy, root rot sets in fast, which can kill the entire plant before you know it. Make sure your planting site has excellent drainage. If you’re dealing with heavy clay soil, mix in some sand to loosen it up. I also recommend adding a drainage layer of gravel or broken terracotta pieces at the bottom of the planting hole.
Don’t Forget the Nutrients
The tricky part about mixing in sand is that it can make the soil a bit “lean” or nutrient-poor. However, pampas grass needs a lot of fuel to reach its impressive height and produce those beautiful feathery plumes during its blooming season. To keep it happy, enrich the soil with some mature compost when planting, and keep adding more every two to three weeks. Alternatively, you can just add a high-quality liquid fertilizer for ornamental grasses to your watering routine.
To wrap it up, the ideal home for your pampas grass should be:
- Sunny and sheltered from strong winds
- Well-draining soil (no standing water!)
- Rich in nutrients and organic matter
