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 undemanding, it is no surprise that this American sweet grass has developed into one of the most popular garden plants ever. Last but not least, its astonishingly fast, lush growth is 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 the garden owner has chosen. Of the more than 600 varieties known worldwide, only about a dozen have made it into our gardens, but even among them the annual increase in height varies considerably. In general, it can be said that growth is between one and three meters per year. These are extremely high values compared to almost all other plants in the garden. Whether the respective variety actually grows three meters or just one meter plays a minor 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 lasts 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 when it comes to pampas grass. First of all, there is the so-called stem growth, which is between one and 1.5 meters annually 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 flower fronds are fully formed in autumn, the maximum height of the grass has been reached. Finally, there is the third type of growth of the rootstock, which in this case is called Hort. It averages several centimeters per year.
Accelerating growth
Even if the pampas grass itself shows something of a turbo growth, it can still be accelerated. This happens primarily through a perfect location and good care. The following factors are crucial:
- sandy to stony soil
- extremely water-permeable soil
- no waterlogging occurring
- sunny and wind-protected location
- fortnightly fertilization from March to September
- Use compost and special ornamental grass fertilizer
- regular watering in dry summers
- annual pruning in spring
- good winter protection by covering the root area
Tip:
The leaves of pampas grass have very sharp edges and often lead to injuries. You should therefore definitely wear gloves when carrying out any care measures to accelerate growth.
