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Pampas Grass Pruning

KeithsterKeithster Posts: 29
in Problem solving
Please could I have advice on the best way to tidy up a Pampas Grass.  I was going to just remove the old flower stalks from the middle by cutting them down and then cut out some of the dead/untidy looking stalks around the outside, but I'm not sure whether I should be doing anything else.  I was also intending on removing some of the dead material from inside the clump - it's a bit overgrown, but I didn't want to do anything more drastic.  Do the flower stalks just grow up from the middle and do I have to be careful I don't cut into them or are they yet to start growing? Any further suggestions? 

Thank you in advance for your help. 

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    I think the best time to cut them back is late Winter to early Spring, if memory serves me right. We once helped a neighbour cut his right back as it had become absolutely massive. It was a big job (you definitely need gloves), it took 3 of us the best part of a day.
    It looked pretty sorry for itself reduced to a small clump, but that year it flowered better than ever and he has managed to keep on top of it ever since. 
    If you don't want to risk losing this year's plumes, it might be better to leave it for this year. 
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Nesting birds - particularly sparrows - make good use of the old flower plumes in Spring.
    Pulling out or cutting the old foliage in early Spring will help make it look tidier  - you can cut out the old flower stems when the birds have finished with them :)
  • GravelEaterGravelEater Posts: 124
    I seem to recall, as a child, my parents setting their pampas grass in fire from time to time.  On purpose, not by accident!

    A quick 'net search and yeah, that's a thing.  Though all safety precautions should be taken before even going anywhere near something with fire.
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Burning is not very kind for any small creatures living in there!

    I'd be tempted to cut it back with some powered hedge trimmers and then give it a good drink and maybe a feed.   You can always stick the old flower plumes in a container for a while so the birds can get nesting material.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • steephillsteephill Posts: 2,841
    Use a flame thrower and follow up with a stump grinder. ;) That way you will be spared sustantial blood loss trying to deal with a monster. Seriously though, you need to be careful dealing with the razor sharp leaves so welding gauntlets and long sleeves are the clothes of choice.
  • edhelkaedhelka Posts: 2,351
    I only remove the old stalks and the dead foliage. With a rake, as much as I can.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    We took a hedgecutter to the next door neighbour's one. It was touch and go at times. The secret is not to try and do the whole thing in one go.
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