Q.
My question is about our pampas grass which is now about six or seven years
old. In the beginning the plumes were white, but now are brownish yellow. In
fact, they look dirty. I notice too most of the plumes are coming on only half
of the plant.
My question is about our pampas grass which is now about six or seven years
old. In the beginning the plumes were white, but now are brownish yellow. In
fact, they look dirty. I notice too most of the plumes are coming on only half
of the plant.
 |
| Pampas grass flowering |
A.
Pampas grass is native to the grasslands and plains of South America. It has
evolved with fire which is a clue about how to manage it. In the wild, range
fires every few years keep these things burned to the ground and renewed
naturally.
By the way, the standard size pampas
grass is very large and should not be used in landscapes that do not have the
room to support its growth. There are dwarf forms of this plant that would be
more suitable and in a variety of colors.
grass is very large and should not be used in landscapes that do not have the
room to support its growth. There are dwarf forms of this plant that would be
more suitable and in a variety of colors.
They are a pain in the neck to prune and some
people burn them to the ground every three or four years where burning is
permitted. If burning is not permitted, they may be cut to the ground and
hauled off. This avoids the problems surrounding fire. Burning or pruning helps
renew the plant and keeps its growth more evenly balanced.
When pampas grass first blooms, the plumes
may be an assortment of colors depending on the type of pampas grass. After a
short time the flowers may begin to turn an off shade of the same color.
may be an assortment of colors depending on the type of pampas grass. After a
short time the flowers may begin to turn an off shade of the same color.
Pampas grass continually puts on new
growth from short rhizomes on the periphery of the plant. As it does this, the
center may stop being very productive. In some cases parts of the plant may die
as they get older, larger and overgrown.
growth from short rhizomes on the periphery of the plant. As it does this, the
center may stop being very productive. In some cases parts of the plant may die
as they get older, larger and overgrown.
Giving the plant adequate water,
fertilizer in early spring and pruning it properly should help quite a bit in
maintaining good growth and color.
fertilizer in early spring and pruning it properly should help quite a bit in
maintaining good growth and color.