When to cut down pampas grass plumes?

Kent, United Kingdom

My pampas grass has had several tall feathery plumes that survived the winter but not birds looking to line their nests. In the space of a week they had been completely denuded, so all I now have are the stems. When and how close to the base should I cut them?

On plant Cortaderia selloana

20 May, 2009

Answers

Mims2

Cut them off now, as far down as you can get. I always used to leave the plumes over winter just for the birds to use as nesting material in the spring, then cut them after that, but lots of people take them off around Christmas time cos they start to look tatty once they've gone to seed, about six weeks after they're produced.

21 May, 2009

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