Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is a large, striking ornamental grass known for its dramatic height and showy, feathery plumes. This perennial plant often requires relocation or division as it matures and outgrows its space. Successful transplanting relies on precise timing to minimize shock and ensure quick recovery in the new location.
Optimal Timing for Transplanting
The ideal window for transplanting pampas grass is during late winter or the very beginning of spring. This timing is directly tied to the plant’s natural dormant cycle, which offers the highest chance of survival. Moving the plant before new growth begins allows it to focus its energy on establishing a new root system rather than supporting a large amount of foliage.
Relocating the grass while it is dormant helps the entire plant recover faster once the weather warms and the active growing season starts. Attempting to move pampas grass after it has broken dormancy and started producing new shoots significantly increases the likelihood of transplant shock. The goal is to complete the move before the soil temperatures rise enough to trigger the plant’s growth mechanisms.
Avoid transplanting during the intense heat of summer, which places water stress on the newly disturbed root system. Similarly, transplanting in late fall or early winter is risky because the roots will not have enough time to establish themselves before the ground freezes. Unestablished roots are susceptible to damage from freezing temperatures and winter heaving.
Preparing the Plant and Dividing Clumps
Preparation is a necessary step that must be completed at the original planting site. The first step involves cutting back the sharp, dense foliage drastically to make the plant manageable. Using heavy-duty shears, the entire clump should be pruned down to a height of approximately 12 to 24 inches from the ground level.
This severe pruning reduces the amount of moisture the roots must supply to the leaves, which is crucial since a significant portion of the root mass will be lost during the move. Because the leaf blades have razor-sharp edges, wearing thick gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection is highly recommended during this process.
If the existing clump is mature, division is necessary to create smaller, manageable plants for transplanting. Division is the most effective method for propagating pampas grass and helps rejuvenate older specimens. A sharp spade should be used to cut into the dense root mass, separating the section to be moved.
The separated section must have a healthy portion of roots and several developing shoots to ensure viability in the new location. Once cut free from the main plant, the section is ready to be lifted and moved.
Executing the Move
Once the clump is reduced in size and separated, the physical process of lifting the root ball begins. Pampas grass forms a thick, heavy root system, so a sharp shovel or digging fork is needed to excavate the plant. Dig out the root ball with as much soil attached as possible to protect the fine feeder roots.
The size and weight of a mature root ball can be substantial, often requiring two people or specialized equipment for lifting and transport. The new planting location should be ready immediately after the root ball is lifted. Dig the new hole approximately two to three times wider than the root ball, but only as deep as its height.
Planting at the correct depth is important, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade. This positioning allows for proper drainage and prevents the crown from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to rot. Backfill the hole with the original soil, ensuring it is firmly but gently settled around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
Aftercare and Establishing the New Location
Immediate and consistent hydration is the most important factor in the aftercare of a newly transplanted clump. The plant requires deep watering immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. For the first few weeks, keep the soil consistently moist to encourage new root growth.
This consistent moisture is especially important during the first few months, as the plant works to overcome the stress of the move. Once the plant has established itself and the weather is reliably warm, water requirements can decrease, as pampas grass is known for its drought tolerance once mature.
Transplant shock may manifest as wilting or delayed new growth, but the plant is robust and recovers well with proper care. Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizer immediately after transplanting, as this can encourage excessive top growth before the roots are ready to support it. A light application of a balanced fertilizer can be introduced later in the growing season once vigorous new growth is visible.