With its long fronds, the American pampas grass is an imposing feature in the garden. In order for it to develop well, however, the site conditions must be right.
Table of Contents
origin and distribution
The American pampas grass, bot. Cortaderia selloana is native to South America. There it occurs in Chile, Paraguay and in the Pampas, which is located in the border triangle of Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. The preferred location in the South American homeland is sandy and alluvial soils.
Outside of its original range, Cortaderia selloana is considered opportunistic, meaning it will grow in a wide range of environments and climates. For example, wild plants can be found in gardens
- coastal dunes or
- roadsides
However, it also settles in areas where the original vegetation has been destroyed or removed. In California, Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand, this species of Cortaderia is considered an invasive plant. The French department of Réunion has therefore already banned the introduction of and trade in Cortaderia selloana.
Location and soil tips
Although the grass behaves opportunistically in relation to its surroundings, it does not grow equally well everywhere. Because it places certain demands on the location. Preferred site conditions include:
- full sun
- warm
- sheltered from the wind
Very light penumbra is tolerated, but the sweet grass does not really like it. In addition, it requires a lot of space all around. The planting distance should be at least one meter, so one plant per square meter is sufficient.
When it comes to soil, permeability comes first, followed by
- nutritious
- fumes
- frisch
- locker
- neutral
Some drought is tolerated by the nest plants. However, the soil should not be too dry, nor should it be too wet. Furthermore, clayey or too loamy soils are not ideal. Normal garden soil is acceptable to Cortaderia selloana as long as it is not too wet or too dry.
Tips for planting neighbors
Although the sweet grass looks extremely impressive as a solitaire, it can be combined with other plants. Attractive combinations with Cortaderia selloana form:
- Königskerzen (Verbascum)
- Gladiolen (Gladiolus)
- Chinaschilf (Miscanthus sinensis)
- Besenheiden ( Calluna )
- Lavender
- Katzenminzen ( Nepeta )
But it can also be used as
- Background of heather and perennial plantations
- Lead plant in gravel and grass gardens
deploy. If the sweet grass is to be planted in small groups, you can put varieties with different colors next to each other.
