Pampas grass is a popular ornamental grass known for its large, fluffy plumes that come in white, pink, and other colors. As a fast-growing and hardy grass, pampas grass can quickly outgrow its space in the landscape. This often leads gardeners to wonder – when is the best time to transplant pampas grass to a new location?
Understanding Pampas Grass Growth
Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is a large ornamental grass native to South America. The grass forms thick tufts or clumps that can reach 6-13 feet tall and up to 10 feet wide. From late summer into fall pampas grass sends up tall, showy plumes on erect stems that rise well above the grass clump. The feathery plumes provide excellent texture and movement in the garden.
Pampas grass is considered an invasive plant in some areas, as it spreads aggressively by self-seeding. Therefore, it is often grown individually as a specimen plant rather than in mass plantings. The grass grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is quite drought-tolerant once established.
Signs that Pampas Grass Needs Transplanting
There are a few signs that indicate when pampas grass should be relocated
-
The clump has overgrown its space, encroaching on other plants, hardscapes, or taking up too much of the landscape.
-
The center of the clump is thinning out and dying back, leaving an unsightly bare ring in the middle.
-
There are many dead leaves and debris accumulating inside the clump.
-
The overall shape or size of the clump has become uneven and unbalanced.
-
New growth is declining and the plant lacks vigor.
-
You simply want to move the grass to a new spot for design purposes.
If your pampas grass is exhibiting any of these signs, it’s a candidate for transplanting.
When to Transplant Pampas Grass
Early spring, before new growth emerges, is the optimal time for transplanting pampas grass. This gives the divisions time to establish roots before the heat of summer. Here are some key timing guidelines:
-
Northern climates: Transplant in early spring, around March/April. Avoid transplanting after mid-April.
-
Southern climates: Transplant in early to mid spring, February through March. Avoid transplanting after April.
-
Prepare the new planting area in fall by amending and improving the soil.
-
Do not transplant in summer or fall months.
Transplanting in early spring allows the grass to initiate new roots before it needs to support new top growth. It also prevents the plant from going into transplant shock during hot, dry weather.
How to Transplant Pampas Grass
Transplanting pampas grass is labor intensive but straightforward. Follow these steps for success:
Prepare in Fall
- Select a new planting site and prepare the soil by mixing in compost, manure, or other amendments to improve drainage and nutrition.
Prune Foliage
- Prune the foliage down to 6 inches to reduce transpiration stress after transplanting.
Dig Up the Clump
-
Water the clump well 1-2 days before digging.
-
Dig around the clump, at least 12 inches out from the base. Go as wide and deep as possible to retain the root ball.
-
Gently loosen the clump and lift it out using a shovel. Support heavy clumps with boards.
Divide the Clump
-
Shake off excess soil. Remove dead leaves and debris from the center.
-
Using a sharp saw, axe or soil knife, divide the root ball into smaller clumps of 3-5 stems each.
-
Discard thick fibrous roots and keep healthy, undamaged sections.
Plant Divisions
-
Plant divisions at the same depth as they were originally grown, with the crown 1-2 inches below soil level.
-
Space plants 3-5 feet apart depending on mature size.
-
Water deeply after planting and water regularly the first season.
Ongoing Care
-
Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring as growth resumes.
-
Resume normal pruning and maintenance routines.
-
Watch for signs of transplant shock and water stress.
With proper timing and care when transplanting, pampas grass can successfully be relocated and divided to rejuvenate the planting. Pay close attention in the first year as the divisions establish. Once settled in, transplanted pampas grass will quickly regain its size and beauty.
Transplanting vs. Division
Transplanting pampas grass provides an ideal opportunity to divide the clump and propagate new plants. However, the terms transplanting and division have some key differences:
Transplanting involves digging up the entire clump and moving it to another location in the landscape. The root ball is kept mostly intact during transplanting.
Division means splitting or cutting the root clump into smaller sections, and then replanting the divisions. Divisions allow you to propagate multiple new plants from one original clump.
Often gardeners transplant and divide pampas grass at the same time. The clump is dug up, divided into sections, and the divisions are replanted into new locations.
Dividing pampas grass helps rejuvenate old plantings. It eliminates dead centers and debris, provides propagation material for new plants, and helps control size.
Signs of Transplant Shock
Pampas grass divisions are susceptible to transplant shock after replanting. Signs of transplant shock include:
-
Leaves turning yellow, browning or drying out
-
Minimal new growth after transplanting
-
Smaller than normal plumes
-
Increased susceptibility to pests and diseases
-
Overall lack of vigor
To minimize transplant shock:
-
Transplant early in spring when temperatures are mild
-
Water deeply after planting and monitor soil moisture closely
-
Stake divisions to keep them upright
-
Use a liquid fertilizer or biostimulant to stimulate new growth
-
Prune away any damaged foliage
With proper follow-up care, pampas grass divisions should recover from transplant shock within 1-2 months. Watering consistently after replanting is key.
When Transplanting Fails
Occasionally pampas grass divisions fail to thrive after being transplanted. Common reasons include:
-
Transplanting too late in spring after growth has started
-
Inadequate watering after transplant
-
Extreme summer heat shortly after transplanting
-
Poorly drained or unimproved soil in the new location
-
Damage to the root ball during excavation
-
Divisions were too small
-
Disease problems
To avoid transplant failure, carefully follow timing and planting guidelines when moving pampas grass. Select healthy divisions, transplant early in spring to avoid heat stress, and be diligent about watering.
With some extra attention, pampas grass that is struggling after transplanting can recover and regain its vigor. The key is to identify issues early and make cultural improvements to help the divisions establish.
Over to You
Knowing when to transplant pampas grass and proper techniques can ensure success when relocating this ornamental grass. Pay close attention to timing, carefully dig up and divide the root ball, and provide attentive aftercare. Transplanting in early spring before new growth emerges gives pampas grass the best chance to thrive in its new spot. With proper care, dividing and moving pampas grass is an invigorating way to rejuvenate overgrown plantings.
LuEsther T. Mertz Library Plant & Research Help
The most commonly grown pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is a large grass species originating from Brazil, Argentina and Chile. It can grow 8 to 10 feet in height and produce large panicles of white flower and seed heads in late summer. It is hardy to USDA Zone 7 and to Zone 6 with winter protection. It prefers full sun (or at least a half-days sun) and moist but well-drained soil. Pampas grass has female and male flowers on separate plants but the female form is usually grown as it has larger, more spectacular plumes.
When planting pampas grass in the garden remember that it is going to grow to a very large size, so give it adequate space. It looks great at the rear of a perennial bed or in clumps of 3 to 4 as a specimen plant. Cut down all last years growth in late winter or early spring to the base of the plant. Because of its sharp-edged leaves, gloves and long-sleeved shirts should be worn during pruning. A complete fertilizer could be applied at the same time to stimulate growth. Very little other care is required Watering is needed only during extreme drought conditions or when the plant is young. Pampas grass may be propagated by division or from seeds in the spring.
Several cultivars of pampas grass are widely available. Pink Feather has pinkish plumes but is less hardy (Zone 8) than the species; Pumila is a compact form growing 5 to 7 feet and is hardy to Zone 6; Gold Band has gold-striped leaves and grows 4 to 6 feet; Abolineata” is a white-variegated form that is attractive throughout the year.
Another species of Cortaderia which is occasionally seen is C. richardii (tussock or toe-toe grass). It requires plenty of water and does well on the banks of a stream or pond. It can be evergreen even in Zone 7 and is attractive until mid-winter.
Courtesy of the NYBG Plant Information Service
Cutting Back, Replanting & Dividing Ornamental Grasses
FAQ
When can I divide pampas grass?
Both of these are warm weather grasses that prefer to be divided in spring or early summer.
When can you dig up pampas grass?
I want to take it out to divide and replant it. Should I do this in winter or wait until spring? A: As is true of all ornamental grasses, the best time to divide pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is as soon as new growth emerges in spring.
What is the best time of year to transplant ornamental grass?
… to keep your ornamental grasses healthy, strong and vibrant – and create even more plants for your landscape for free – then late winter and early spring …