Should i cut my pampas grass

Pampas grass leaves are extremely sharp and easily cut through skin, which means you'll also want to use caution when choosing a planting location. Pruning pampas grass helps keep its size under control. According to Floridata , it is a vigorous grower and can reach a maximum average height and width of around 12 and 6 feet — and make room for new growth.

The best time to do this is in late winter, before new growth begins. To prune the plant, remove all growth — including the feathers — down to just above ground level.

A power pruner is probably the best tool to use on large, mature plants, but you still need to protect your skin and eyes from the sharp leaves. It's fine to leave the feathers where they stand. During the winter, the feathers and foliage of plants in freezing climates will turn golden brown, which is attractive to some. In frost-free climates, the foliage will remain green.

In time, the old feathers will gradually shed all of their plumes, leaving tall stalks poking up above the leaves. The species pampas plant grows 8 to 12 feet tall and equally wide. Cultivars 'Pink Feather' and 'Pumila' grow up to 7 feet tall, and the sterile 'Gold Band' remains under 6 feet tall.

In general, though seeds are available, the pampas grass cultivars are propagated by dividing the female plants because the plumes are larger and fluffier than the plumes on the male plants. If you find your pampas grass not producing plumes, your summer may be too short for the plant to flower, so consider replacing it with a pampaslike grass that will tolerate a colder climate. Another "pampas grass," the drought-tolerant and deer-resistant ravenna grass Saccharum ravennae or Erianthus ravennae , also known as elephant grass and northern pampas grass, thrives in USDA zones 4 through This fast-growing grass can reach up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide with its waving plumes rising above the foliage.

Monrovia points out that the silvery white plumes bloom in early fall and remain on the plant through winter, making it a dramatic addition to gardens where the climate is too cold for traditional pampas grass. Both species prefer well-drained soils in full sun, though they will tolerate partial shade. Plant divisions at the same depth as they were in the grower pots and at least 6 to 8 feet apart.

Mulch around the newly planted plants to help slow evaporation from the soil. Water regularly until established in the landscape and fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in early spring after pruning.

Before planting ornamental grasses, consider the fact that they can be invasive, especially in Mediterranean climates. Before pruning, trimming or harvesting the plumes or dividing clumps of pampas grass, put on safety goggles, long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes and long, heavy leather gloves that cover your forearms. Pampas grass has sharp, toothed edges that will slice through any exposed skin.

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