I’ve decided to toss out a little more information on the Pampas grass. First off, it is a warm-season grass. By this, it means the grass breaks its state of dormancy in the mid-spring and continues to grow all throughout the summer.
I prefer a grass like Pampas, not just because of its long lasting beauty even into the winter season, but also because of its good drought resistance due to it being both a warm-season perennial and having an extensive root system that conserves water. Of course to have consistent growth, requires consistent watering to ensure health.
As far as planting Pampas grass goes, the late spring is absolutely ideal! It’s not suggested to plant in late summer/ early fall. It’s a good idea to set the plants between 5-8 feet apart from one another because the spread can be up to 12 feet! The mature height of Pampas actually spans between 5-12 feet, however the flowering spikes can reach heights of 8-15 feet!
Some people believe the Pampas grass can become too overpowering in their gardens and rightfully so. However, if there is one plant you can’t kill by cutting almost entirely off, its this one! I’ve seen them cut down to 3 inches before. The preferred time to cut them off is after they 2-3 years old and during late winter.
There are several different landscape uses for Pampas grass. Several clumps lined with each other can form a tall, dramatic background. The plumes are also cut and used often as decorative flowers. My neighbors who live on the corner have a large yard. They used Pampas grass as a focal point for their empty corner lot. They love it because it hides the view of the giant red stop sign from their kitchen window!
Hope this helps a little bit!