Does Pampas Grass Need Full Sun?
With its tall flower heads and long, striking green blades, pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is one of the tallest ornamental grasses. It is adaptable to a range of uses, and certain cultivars offer optional extras, such as "Aureolineata (Gold Band)," which has gold stripes on its leaves, or "Sunningdale Silver," which has silvery plumes.
Pampas grass is an evergreen grass with a clumping habit, and it naturalizes easily where conditions are favorable. If tall flower plumes are left on the stalk, the plant will readily self-seed. Suited to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10, pampas grass grows to a height of 8 to 12 feet and clumps can get as wide as 6 feet. Although it is not a particularly finicky plant, it does need a lot of sun to thrive.
Pampas grass can tolerate light shade, but like turf grass it grows best in full sunlight. Reduced light deprives the grass of normal growth processes. It becomes less resistant to disease, and it has to compete with larger plants for water and nutrients. Ideally, pampas grass should be planted as a border or background by itself or with others of its kind, but nothing taller.
Choose a location that receives as much light as possible. Although it is drought-tolerant once established, pampas grass needs considerable moisture while getting established. Plant it in well-drained, amended soil that will conserve and evenly distribute water. When growing them together, space plants 10 feet apart so they have room to expand without crowding one another out. To keep it looking nice, comb dead leaves out of the clump with a pitchfork.
Because of its tall size, pampas grass is suitable to large landscapes and makes a good statement piece. Its height and thickness make it a good choice for a screen plant. It is evergreen, so it adds winter color to the garden. As it is highly tolerant of salt, it is also a good seaside plant. Its tall flowers, sometimes as long as 3 feet, may be cut and dried for use in arrangements.
Sarah Moore has been a writer, editor and blogger since 2006. She holds a master's degree in journalism.