Planting Pampas Grass

Ornamental pampas grass is perfect for low-maintenance landscaping but is hard to get rid of once established.

Tall, tough and beautiful: you’d think pampas grass has all the qualities you’d want in a perennial ornamental grass. Cortaderia selloana can be both functional and lovely. The plants, which grow 10 to 13 feet high and spread six feet wide, make useful privacy screens, wind breaks and camouflage for unwanted views. Because pampas grass has stiff stems and sharp-edged leaves, it also can also serve as a living hedge or fence.

Pampas Grass and Bench

Pampas Grass and Outdoor Bench

Pampas grass makes a feathery backdrop for this outdoor bench.

Photo by: Shutterstock/Jahina_Photography

Shutterstock/Jahina_Photography

Gardeners like its graceful, fluffy plumes, which appear in late summer in colors that range from sand-pink to silvery-white. They’re especially nice to use in dried arrangements, or they can be left uncut to add winter interest to the landscape. The solid green or variegated grass itself lends drama, texture and movement to gardens and pool areas.

But pampas grass is incredibly prolific when it comes to seed production; a single plant can bear up to a million seeds over its lifetime. The self-sowing seeds can sprout in almost any kind of soil, too. And although pampas grass dies back in the winter, it rebounds once warm weather returns.

Its roots also grow deep into the ground, allowing pampas grass to survive droughts and making it hard for gardeners to eliminate. Some resort to chopping it down with machetes or chainsaws, or even burning the plants, although they usually regrow in a few weeks. Spraying with an herbicide will work, but you often need to make multiple applications. No matter how you tackle it, you’ll need to wear protective clothing and thick gloves to avoid being cut on its razor-like edges.

Growing Pampas Grass

Because it’s so tough and aggressive, pampas grass has landed on the list of invasive weeds in California and Texas. It’s banned in Hawaii and New Zealand, and also appears on a USDA list of invasive plants to watch.

In spite of these warnings, pampas grass can be grown under controlled conditions, unless it is specifically prohibited where you live. If you want to try it, check with your local extension service office or visit the USDA website to make sure it’s allowed in your area.

Pampas grass likes full sun for at least six hours a day and grows best in well-drained soil. If you’re planting a hedge, space the plants six feet apart. Loosen the roots when you lower the plant into its hole, and plant it no deeper than it was growing in its container.

Water lightly to moderately; the plants don’t need much care and are pest resistant. Shear it each spring as desired.

More Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental Grasses for Every Situation

Choose the ornamental grass based on the season, the height and the type of soil.

Be aware that pampas grass is flammable, so don’t use it where wildfires are common, or near your home or other structures.

Dwarf pampas grasses are available that grow only about 5 feet high, if you’re concerned about size. Some are sterile, which means that they don’t produce seeds and cannot self-sow.

Avoid growing pampas grass around pets or children who can brush against it. Cuts happen easily, and they may become inflamed or infected.

Next Up

Planting and Growing Artichokes

Learn all the basics of growing artichokes, from planting artichokes to the right time to harvest them for your dinner table.

Begonias: How to Plant, Grow and Care for Begonias

Discover some begonia varieties to try in your home and garden and find out how to make sure they thrive with our begonia care tips.

How to Grow Pineapple Plants From Tops, Seeds or Plants

Learn three methods of growing pineapples, including from grocery store fruit. Plus, get pineapple planting and growing tips for outdoors and indoors, in-ground and in containers.

How to Grow Dragon Fruit From Seed

These bold, dramatic plants thrive indoors and out.

Grow an Olive Tree

Grow an olive tree indoors and let it take summer vacations outdoors. If your climate is warm, you can even plant it in your garden.

How to Plant, Grow and Care for Hibiscus

Explore unique types of tropical and hardy hibiscus flowers, and learn how to plant, grow, maintain and enjoy them in your garden.

When is The Best Time to Plant Hydrangeas?

Bring home the beauty of hydrangeas by adding a bush—or three!—to your yard.

How to Plant, Grow and Care for Dill

Dill is an easy-to-grow addition to an herb garden. Learn how to select, plant, grow, harvest and preserve this tasty herb.

Peony Flowers: How to Plant and Care for Peonies

Learn how to bring fragrant, fluffy peony flowers to your garden including tips on when to plant peonies, how to plant them and peony diseases to watch out for.

Zucchini 101: Planting and Growing This Super Squash

Get tips for planting, growing and harvesting your bumper crop of zucchini.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.