It is now August in zone 6. Can I do this now and still have plumes next summer? If so, what are the steps I need to take? thank you
I wouldn't do this in the heat of summer, but would wait until winter or early spring. There is no guarantee the transplanted grass will have plumes next year, but it certainly could. Here's an article that will help:https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ornamental-grass/dividing-ornamental-grass.htm
Can you suggest what would make it produce the plumes? The plant otherwise is very healthy.
This article should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ornamental-grass/no-plumes-on-ornamental-grass.htm
Not really a gardening question, but a concern... Pampas grass is seriously invasive in the US and Canada. You mention it in the “small print” but folks interested in the plant may not read that far. Would you consider the issue of invasive species before making your recommendations? Natives are always the best choice, and there are many beautiful grasses. Thank you for considering this issue. ???
We answer questions from around the world, and in many places the grass will not become invasive. In order to be fair, and include information for everyone, we include information for the people who can grow the grass. It would be very unfair to leave out the information for people who are in an area where the grass remains controlled.
Every plant has the capability of becoming invasive if given the right environment.
How do I get it to start flowering again? Will adding phosphorus to soil help How do I increase the number of plumes? The plumes were dirty white in colour. Can I get pink plumes or is that a different species of pampas grass?
The pink plumes are a different variety of pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana 'Rosea'). Adding a high phosphorous fertilizer such as bone meal will help offset too much nitrogen. These articles should help get yours blooming again:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/pampas-grass/growing-pampas-grass.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ornamental-grass/no-plumes-on-ornamental-grass.htm
Had a strong wind recently. 35mph and some of the pampas was almost blown over.
There isn't much that you can do, other that mulch it! Mulching can add a little weight to regrow lost roots, without being disturbed again.
Here is an article for more tips on the care of the grass:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/pampas-grass/growing-pampas-grass.htm
why does my pampas grass not flower?
Typically, this happens when there is too much nitrogen in the soil, or not enough phosphorus and potassium. It can also happen if the plant gets a little chilly in the winter, which is why most prefer to prune the dead portions out in spring, rather than fall.
Here is an article that will help you with the care of the grass:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/pampas-grass/growing-pampas-grass.htm
Wild pampas grass sprouted in my garden years ago. Now it has blossomed. Do I prune it and try to separate foot clusters or just leave it be?
It's beautiful! You should prune it every spring to cut back the old growth. Here is how:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/pampas-grass/pruning-pampas-grass.htm