pampas grass

pollen jim · Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 8:58 am Post subject: pampas grass

hi, i bought 2 pampas grasses last year, now there gone mostly brown, with a little green in the middle, do you cut them back and if so, how? have to say, i know nothing about grasses, but always wanted 2 at the entrance of the drive, they look so elegant with the plumes. jim

Greengage · Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 9:12 am Post subject:

OK they weather has been so cold theres very little growing so dont worry yet if there is green in the middle that is a good sign, you can cut off the dead leaves with a secuteres, They are tough plants, what variety did you buy Pumilla or sellona, I prefer Pumilla myself is not as big as Sellona see if I can find pics of both.
http://www.gardensandplants.com/uk/plant.aspx?plant_id=955

http://www.colesvillenursery.com/plant/cortaderia-dwarf-pumila/attachment/cortaderia-dwarf-pumila

kindredspirit · Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 9:21 am Post subject:

It was that constant dessicating easterly wind that we had that turned them brown.

They'll be fine whether you trim them back or not.

Personally I prefer Cortaderia Richardii (called toy, toy in NZ) to the Argentinian ones.

pollen jim · Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 11:28 am Post subject:

sellona is the one, I probaly invest in more different ones when the knowledge grows, as I have plenty of room, altough expose site, not too high but more open if you know what I mean. Saw some where on the net you can just chop them to the crown or even burn them believe it or not.

avs0020 · Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 1:41 pm Post subject:

Is it good for them to be cut down to the core every now and then? Mine havent had plumes for a few years but are otherwise doing very well.

Greengage · Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 1:49 pm Post subject:

I have done this successfully using a hedge trimmers but I think it best to divide and use an outer section as it usually developes a large hole in the centre, I would not recommend burning like some books suggest.

avs0020 · Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 5:01 pm Post subject:

thanks Greengage

michael brenock · Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 7:11 pm Post subject:

burning when they are naturally dry is a good means of controlling the untidiness of these. it occurs in the wild and they are dangerous to handle as they can cut very easily.
michael brenock

Greengage · Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 8:26 pm Post subject:

i still wouldnt burn it, doctors differ plants die

kindredspirit · Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 8:56 pm Post subject:

Burning Cortaderia Selloana is a well known practice to keep it under control.
I wouldn't burn Richardii though. It's too nice.