Northern Pampas Grass
Flowering
The flowering on this grass is a dull, muddy white (almost a beige) and not the clear white (or light pink) you're looking for with the southerly Pampas grass.Growing Conditions
This is a plant of damp and rich soils. And that's the key to growing it well.Full sun is best although a light afternoon shade won't slow the growth rates down.
This is a tall grass reaching 6-8 feet easily.
The plumes in catalogs are described as silvery-white but personally I find it to be a muddy white and not overly attractive.
Hardy to USDA zone 4/5. I note it is hardier in damper soils than if you try to grow it in a drier soil (been there – killed this one).
Propagation
By division in the early spring is best although fall will work. It will self sow if happy.Landscape Use
This
plant will not perform well in the regular perennial border as it
requires a very damp soil to thrive. If you want the height and flower of this plant to show itself off, you'll do best to provide a large damp or bog-style garden for it. Soils that are allowed to dry out will not give it the conditions it desires.
In this sense, it is not a substitute for southern pampas grass although it is often sold that way in garden centers.
If you want to ask a question abou northern pampas grass, click here