AN ‘INVASIVE’ plant that is banned in four countries is still common in the UK – and popular with gardening fans thanks to its minimal upkeep.
Pampas grass, also known as Cortaderia selloana, is one of the more exotic-looking plants to happily grow on UK soil.
Pampas grass is common in UK gardens but is banned in other countries[/caption]
The plant – a tall grass with sharp edges and long, fluffy ‘feathers’ – is very hardy and a single plant can bear up to a million seeds over its lifetime.
If planted in the front garden, it used to be cheekily thought of as a secret sign that its owners are swingers.
But it’s boomed in popularity again and is just as likely to be seen inside homes as outdoors.
Celebs such as Stacey Solomon and Dani Dyer have been seen using dried pampas as decoration for their homes.
The pampas’ popularity has even been embraced over the Christmas season, by the likes of Sahar Kasiri, who uses the plant in many of her designs.
But it’s not as highly regarded in other countries.
The pretty plant is banned in the American states of California and Hawaii, where it is listed as an invasive weed.
It is also banned in Spain and France, and parts of Australia.
According to Connexion France, people in the country risk a fine of up to €150,000 if they have the invasive species in their gardens.
This means that this is effectively ‘banned’, and it is forbidden to bring pampas grass into the country, to own it, to transport it live, to market it, to use it, or to exchange it.
And the law even refers to ‘holding’ it – which means owning the plant.
Looking after pampas grass
According to the Royal Horticultural Society, the large evergreen species benefits from hard pruning once a year in early spring.
The RHS team add: “Cut them back as far as possible without damaging the new growth.
“Wear eye protection and thick gloves as the leaf blades have sharp edges. Cut tough stems with loppers.
“Burning pampas grass is not advisable, as the crown can be damaged.”
Keen gardening fans on the Gardening UK – Hints, tips & advice Facebook group, which boasts 160,000 members, emphasised the importance of wearing gloves when looking after it.
One said: “I chop it back just after winter it gets a good haircut it’s quite sharp so be careful. A good cut once a year then it grows back beautifully.”
“Whatever you decide to do just be careful, pampas grass leaves can cut like a knife”, echoed a second.
Meanwhile, a third wrote: “You can cut right down to stump in march/april very resilient plant but razor sharp leaves so wear gloves and long sleeves. They will grow back beautifully green in spring and feathery stalks lovely and upright.”
Clever use
Pampas are also known to make useful privacy screens, wind breaks and camouflage for unwanted views, growing up to three metres tall.
So if you want extra privacy in your garden but can’t afford to splash the cash on a posh privacy fence, fear not, it’s got you covered.
Landscape design guru Pollyanna Wilkinson revealed the £11.99 buy ensures your neighbours can’t peep through into your outside space.
On a podcast episode of The Ins & Outs, Jojo Barr from House Nine Design was joined by Pollyanna, from Garden Design, and shared advice on adding privacy to your garden, without breaking the bank or starting a mega DIY project.
Pollyanna shared: “Grasses for privacy – the grasses I recommend come in at about 1.2 to two metres. Unless you went with Pampas grass.”
Celebs including Stacey Solomon are fans of dried pampas grass as a decoration[/caption]
Danni Dyer is also a fan of pampas grass[/caption]
