When to plant Pampas Grass?

Pampas grass thrives in full sun and needs plenty of space to develop its dramatic, fountain-like form. Choose an open position where it can reach its full height of 2–3 metres and spread of 1.5–2 metres without crowding neighbouring plants. It tolerates a range of soils but performs best in well-drained loam or sandy soil; avoid heavy clay that stays waterlogged in winter, as this can cause the crown to rot. Plant in April or May once the risk of hard frost has passed and the soil is warming up. Dig a hole roughly twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. If your soil is heavy, work in coarse grit or horticultural sand to improve drainage around the planting area. Set the plant so the crown sits at the same level it was in the pot—planting too deep invites rot. Space plants at least 150 cm apart; pampas grass is a substantial specimen and needs room to breathe. Backfill with the excavated soil, firm gently with your heel, and water thoroughly to settle the roots. A 5–8 cm layer of gravel or grit mulch around the base helps drainage and suppresses weeds, but keep mulch clear of the crown itself. Pampas grass has low water needs once established, but water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish. Staking is unnecessary; the clump is self-supporting. Avoid planting in exposed sites where winter wet combines with cold winds, as this stresses young plants before they toughen up.