Pampas Grass

Question

I bought several pampas grass plants from a local nursery two years ago. They did not say if they were male or female. I did not know to ask. How can I tell? I bought them for their beautiful plumes, and they have never flowered. Help.

Answer 1

Sometimes grass needs 2-4 years to mature to blooming size, especially if the plants were seed propagated. Also, if growing conditions are 'perfect', the plants might be making an unrestrained root system. Many plants bloom when they are in less than perfect conditions because they feel "threatened", and will try to insure survival of the fittest. Both male and female pampas grass bloom.