When is the Best Time to Transplant Pampas Grass?

January 4, 2025 by Robby

With its magnificent plume-like blooms and architectural foliage, pampas grass makes a dramatic statement in any landscape Native to South America, this hardy perennial grass can grow quite large, reaching up to 10 feet tall and wide If your pampas grass has outgrown its space or needs dividing, you may be wondering when is the best time to transplant it.

Why Transplanting Pampas Grass is Necessary

There are a few key reasons you may need to transplant your pampas grass

It has overgrown its original space in the garden These grasses need plenty of room to achieve their full size
The center is dying out, indicating the plant needs dividing.

You want to propagate more plants from an existing clump.
To move it to a new location or garden design.
To thin congested plantings that aren’t thriving.

Transplanting pampas grass every 3-5 years helps rejuvenate the plant and control its size. Dividing overcrowded clumps also produces new plants.

Spring is the Ideal Time for Pampas Grass Transplanting

For the best results, late spring is the optimal time to transplant pampas grass. Here’s why:

Spring allows the grass to establish roots before summer heat.
The plant has not yet initiated new growth, making transplanting less stressful.

Cooler temperatures reduce transplant shock.
Ample moisture supports root development.
The grass has all growing season to recover before winter.

Step-By-Step Guide to Transplanting Pampas Grass

Follow these steps for successfully transplanting pampas grass in spring:

Cut the grass blades down to 6-12 inches with pruners. Wear protective garments to avoid injury from the sharp foliage.

Dig around the plant’s base with a shovel, retaining as much of the root ball as possible.
Lift and divide the root ball into smaller clumps using a saw or axe. Each division should have 3-5 healthy shoots.
Transplant the divisions into amended, well-draining soil in holes 2 times wider than the root ball.

Space transplants far enough apart to accommodate their mature size.
Water deeply after planting and water regularly until established.

Other Tips for Pampas Grass Transplanting

Early autumn is another suitable time to transplant pampas grass before winter dormancy.

Avoid transplanting in summer when heat is stressful or winter when plants are dormant.
Don’t let the grass dry out before transplanting since moisture aids root growth.
Stake tall varieties after transplanting to prevent toppling in wind.

Apply a balanced fertilizer to encourage quick regrowth after transplant shock.
Prepare the planting area ahead of time by working in compost and other amendments.

Alternatives to Transplanting Overgrown Pampas Grass

Transplanting a large, overgrown clump of pampas grass is very labor intensive. Here are a couple lower-effort options if relocating the grass is too difficult:

Cut the entire plant back to 6 inches and let it regrow. Pampas grass readily regenerates from the crown.
Remove the original plant completely and start fresh with new nursery transplants.

Both these options allow you to downsize and reset your pampas grass without the backbreaking work of digging up a massive root ball.

Enjoy the Graceful Beauty of Pampas Grass

With proper timing and care, transplanting pampas grass is a straightforward process. Paying attention to the ideal timeframes and using smart transplanting techniques will keep your plants thriving for years to come. The beauty and low-maintenance nature of pampas grass make it a fantastic landscape choice.

when to transplant pampas grass

Cutting Back, Replanting & Dividing Ornamental Grasses

FAQ

What’s the best time to transplant pampas grass?

Fall is a better time to transplant. Early spring is another opportunity. That’s when weather is cooler and rainfall more abundant, both of which help roots to establish. Best wishes with your ornamental grasses.

What month do you plant pampas grass?

Plant pampas grass starts outside in the late spring after the threat of frost has passed—typically from April through mid-June. To plant a seedling or small plant, dig a hole the same depth and width as the plant’s root ball and sprinkle a well-balanced fertilizer in the hole.

What happens if you don’t cut back ornamental grasses?

What happens if you don’t cut back ornamental grasses? If you don’t cut back your ornamental grasses, they not only might look untidy with depreciated foliage, but they also might spread their seeds in unwanted areas. Plus, fresh foliage in the spring might have a difficult time growing through the depreciated foliage.

How do you transplant pampas grass?

Here’s how to plant pampas grass transplants, whether you started seeds indoors or picked up the transplants at your garden nursery. Dig holes about 15 inches deep, making sure there is at least six feet of space between each hole. Massage the root ball of each seedling.

Can a pampas grass plant outgrow a garden?

In many small gardens, one pampas grass plant may quickly outgrow the area in which it is planted. Though the process of pampas grass transplanting is relatively simple, it is also quite labor-intensive. Moving pampas grass or dividing it must be done early in the spring before any new growth has started.

Can you grow pampas grass from seed?

While pampas grass can be propagated by seed, most varieties you acquire for your garden will be cultivated not to produce seeds to prevent the plant’s unintentional, invasive spread. You can, however, propagate the plants through root division in the spring.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply