Does pampas grass come back every year?

QUESTION: Does pampas grass come back every year? -Frank L.

ANSWER: Yes, pampas grass is a perennial plant. In the right conditions, pampas grass will grow from spring through fall and go dormant during the winter.

Many people aren’t fond of this plant (as we’ll discuss a little later), but it brings back many great memories for me.

When I was growing up in South Carolina, part of my driveway was lined with pampas grass. I learned many hard lessons with this plant as it’s beautiful to look at, yet, it’s brutal to touch.

Pampas grass is typically used for ornamental purposes, but it can also be used to create a living fence as well.

These plants grow to be as tall as thirteen feet and can be as wide as six feet. If you love pampas grass, ensure you grow it in the right growing conditions. This plant is hardy in planting zones seven through eleven.

It prefers full sunlight and isn’t picky about the soil in the growing location. Pampas grass has deep roots which helps it sustain prolonged seasons of drought.

At times, these plants must be pruned because they can become unruly. You may chop them or burn them. However, be sure you always keep yourself protected as they are sharp and can easily cut you.

Though pampas grass sounds great, it isn’t received well in every location. In fact, it’s considered an invasive species in California and Texas. You may not grow the plant at all in New Zealand.

There are different varieties of pampas grass. Some reseed easily where others don’t. It’s best to grow the Cortaderia Selloana variety.

You should also be sure to only plant the female version of this variety. These are the steps you should take to ensure you control pampas grass from spreading.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of how pampas grass grows and know whether this plant is a good selection for your growing area.

When in doubt, feel free to check with your local agricultural department to ensure you make appropriate selections for your location.

Be sure to take all of this information into consideration prior to planting pampas grass around your home.