Pampas Grass

Garden Problems

Pampas grass is an introduced grass that readily becomes weedy.

Identify the problem
Pampas grass is a very large clumping grass with long feathery seed heads that looks similar to the smaller native toetoe (aka Toitoi and Toi toi). Dead leaf bases spiral like wood shavings. Erect, fluffy, white-pinkish seed heads are produced from summer to autumn which fade to a dirty cream as seed forms.
How to tell pampas and toetoe apart.
How to solve the problem
Cut and Swab
- Cut back the plant leaving approximately 10-20 cm at the bottom close to the roots.
- Immediately paint Weed Weapon Invade Gel on the cut surfaces surfaces of the leaves and onto the cut ends. It is systemic so it will kill down to the roots and is inactivated in the soil and will not affect neighbouring plants.
- Death of pampas can take up to 14 days.
Spray
- Apply Weed Weapon Rapid Action or Extra Strength plus Dye & Stick to all foliage of the pampas, it is important not to miss any sections.
- The addition of Dye & Stick to Weed Weapon Extra Strength will improve efficacy.
- Further application may be necessary for extensive mature pampas.
Did you know?
- Pampas grass is Cortaderia selloana