Pink Pampas Grass Cortaderia selloana 'Rosea'

Water

Pink pampas grass prefers consistent moisture but it's important not to overwater it. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing it with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time, ensuring that the soil has good drainage to prevent root rot. During hotter and drier periods, water the grass twice a week, but if there's significant rainfall, you can skip the watering schedule that week. In cooler climates or during the rainy season, reduce the watering frequency to when the soil is dry to the touch several inches down. It's crucial to avoid soggy conditions as this can lead to fungal diseases which pink pampas grass is susceptible to.

Light

Pink pampas grass thrives in full sun, so the best spot for the plant is in an area where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Although it can tolerate partial shade, too little light will result in poorer foliage and fewer plumes. For the healthiest growth and bloom production, position pink pampas grass in a location where it is exposed to unfiltered sunlight for the majority of the day.

Temperature

Pink pampas grass is hardy and can withstand a temperature range from about 20°F to over 100°F, making it quite adaptable to various climate conditions. The ideal growing temperatures for pink pampas grass are between 70°F and 80°F. It's quite hardy once established, but young plants should be protected from extreme cold below 20°F.

Pruning

Pink pampas grass should be pruned annually to remove old foliage and make room for new growth. This is best done in late winter or early spring before the new shoots start to emerge. Cut back the grass clumps to about 1 to 2 feet from the ground using sharp, clean shears. It’s also a good opportunity to remove any debris or dead material from the base of the plant. Regular pruning encourages healthful growth and maintains an attractive shape of the pink pampas grass.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Pampas Grass prefers a well-draining soil mixture with the addition of sand or perlite to improve drainage and reduce waterlogging, which can be detrimental to its roots. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5, to support healthy growth.

Repotting

Pampas Grass is typically not repotted as it is a large, fast-growing plant. It's best to plant it directly in the ground where it has room to expand. However, if grown in a container, it may need repotting every couple of years to manage its size.

Humidity & Misting

Pampas Grass tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and is quite hardy in varying environmental conditions. It does well in average humidity and does not require any special humidity adjustments for optimal growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Pampas Grass in a bright area; avoid small spaces due to size.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, ample space for growth.

• Hardiness zone

  7-11 USDA.

Life cycle

Cortaderia selloana 'Rosea', commonly known as Pink Pampas Grass, begins its life cycle when its seeds germinate in warm, well-drained soil in late spring to early summer. The seedlings grow rapidly, developing long, narrow, and sharp-edged leaves. In its second year, the plant reaches maturity and produces tall, feathery flower plumes that range in color from pale pink to soft purple, which are often used in dried flower arrangements. These plumes emerge in late summer and last through fall, during which time the plant is pollinated by the wind. After pollination and seed set, the plant goes into dormancy during winter, with the foliage often turning brown but remaining intact. In the spring, new growth resumes from the base of the plant, and the cycle repeats, with older clumps expanding in size each year through vegetative growth.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: Pampas Grass 'Rosea' is typically propagated through division, which is a popular method for many perennials. The best time to propagate this plant is in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant and not actively growing. To propagate by division, you should carefully dig up the plant and separate it into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has a portion of the root system intact. These sections can then be replanted in holes that are about twice the width of the root ball, setting the plant at the same depth it was growing previously. Specifically, for Pampas Grass, it is recommended to wear gloves and use a sharp spade or a saw to divide the dense root system. After planting, the divisions should be watered thoroughly to help establish them in their new location.