Growing Pampas grass as a border

[SDB777]

I've been looking for a 'screen' to use between the neighbors and myself. Not completely sure if I'd like to use the really tall pampas grass or maybe something with 6" hardened spikes.
My question is: How long does it take for Pampas grass(tall type) to get to it's maximum growth? Can it also handle a spot that is less then full sun, and still do well?





Scott (guess that's two questions) B

[trudy]

would be my guess, as with most anything else. Are you wanting it thick enough you can't see them. I'm not a fan of pampas grass, one of those I like seeing in someone elses yard.

[dirtyfingernails]

Hey Scott,
Pampas grass would be a poor choice for what you are looking for.Although it is a tall grass it still needs attention to look good.You have to maintain all around it to make it look well kept. Also in a couple years the center begins to die out and it needs to be seperated into new clumps.This is no small job.It can be back breaking work.I would suggest that a evergreen tall hedge would fill the bill for you and be what you need for privacy and a lot more pleasing to the eye.
Bill

[gardeningmom]

I'm in agreement with Bill-Pretty as maybe a specimen plant but not as a border!!!

[PlantSwap]

American Holly is nice and prickly if you are hoping to discourage neighbors from walking through your screen.

[zuzu's petals]

One word .................................................

[SDB777]

Not really wanting to do the 'few years' thing, and then to have to dig them up for seperation.....jeez! Holly's don't grow any faster do they?

Oh yeah! I'll still need to mow near them, that probably won't be the greatest idea either.....what to do? With the garden going in and their lack of control when it comes to 'borders'....not really wanting to feed them. Now if they were dirt poor, and lived in a shack, I'd have no problem with sharing the veggies. But these are just mean people that beat pots together to make the dog bark so they can complain about the barking to Animal Control(didn't work out for them, I had video running when she did it).

Started the fence, but that isn't something that is possible to the end of the property(city utilities running in the back).

Anyone got any suggestions?





Scott (besides moving) B

[trudy]

thick I'm thinking Eleagnus Its multipurpose ,
http://www.learn2grow.com/gardeningg...Elaeagnus.aspx
Oh, it does have thorns to, forgiving when it comes to pruning or leave it alone to grow. I thought about Loripedulum, but it looses its leaves in the winter (here anyway).

[dirtyfingernails]

May I suggest Rosa rugosa? Can be bought pretty cheap and will hold back a water buffalo.
Marginal in zone 8 , but I see it growing here in my area.
Privacy along with beauty.
http://www.greenwoodnursery.com/Page.cfm/10356
Bill

[marasri]

The other thing that Pampus grass will do is die back in cold snaps.. Its blades are like knives. I lost a lot of blood keeping it looking good. I sometimes had to cutit back in February and that was a chore. Nix on Pampus grass. It is invassive in California, and the pacific coast. I have a biologist friend who wont stop railing about it. I can gey you Lindheimer muhly seeds in a few months( muhlenbergia lindheimerii) that is nice. There are other large grasses that could make a screen. Go native.

[Pushin-up-Daisies]

I would use podocarpus plant excellant screen plant and let it go,shade or sun,grows fast,6,7,8 ft.maybe taller.had one in fl.

[Pushin-up-Daisies]

Oh I thought of a nother good one SPANISH BAYONET talk about keeping the neighbors away.This will do it!!!!!!!!!

[santoury]

Rosa Rugosa is one of the hardiest plants - it grows up in Canada - so you must be referring to the heat killing it - that I wouldn't know about.

Pampas... ehh....


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