Pampas Grass Arrangements - How to Display and Care for Feathery Dried Plumes

The Allure of Pampas Grass

With its fluffy, feather-like plumes, pampas grass has become an increasingly popular decorative element in homes and events over the recent years. Native to South America, this tall grass can grow up to 12 feet high and up to 6 feet wide. When dried, the wispy blades create an ethereal, neutral texture that adds softness and movement to any space.

Pampas grass is most commonly used in dried floral arrangements and home decor. The neutral tan, wheat and white varieties pair beautifully with other dried grasses and flowers. When placed in vases or pots, the reedy blades create rhythm and flow. Pampas plumes are also used in wedding bouquets and centerpieces to create organic, whimsical textures.

Displaying Pampas Grass

When working with dried pampas grass, it's important to keep in mind that it is delicate and requires no water or maintenance. The dried blades will not last long if placed in soil or any container that allows moisture contact.

For the longest lasting display, pampas grass should always be kept in a dry vase or arrangement. Glass, acrylic, metal and woven containers work best to prevent any moisture buildup from damaging the brittle reeds.

To create a cohesive display, it's nice to mix in other dried grasses, branches or flowers that share the same neutral color palette. Some popular companion plants include dried protea, eucalyptus, baby's breath and statice. Keep the arrangement full and voluminous to balance out the ethereal lightness of the pampas grass.

Where to Place Pampas Grass

Pampas grass arrangements make lovely living room or bedroom accents. Place them on console tables, bookshelves, side tables or any surface that could use some softness. Pampas also looks beautiful when hung on walls, set on fireplace mantels or even mounted to ceilings.

In entryways, a large vase of pampas grass creates an elegant, welcoming statement. For dining rooms, smaller arrangements can dress up a tablescape. Hang them above open shelving in kitchens or place mini bundles in cups or bowls as an organic centerpiece.

Pampas grass also brings life to outdoor spaces like patios, porches, deck railings and garden beds. Hang bundles from shepherd hooks or attach them to outdoor walls. For events like weddings and parties, line aisles or stair railings with pots of pampas plumes.

Caring for Pampas Grass

The benefit of working with dried pampas grass is that it requires no regular maintenance. As long as it's kept away from moisture, it will retain its fluffy texture and tan coloration.

Over time, exposure to sunlight may cause the blades to fade slightly in color. Rotating or flipping the arrangement every few weeks will help maintain its vibrancy. Gently fluff and separate any pieces that flatten or become compressed.

When pampas grass starts to appear overly brittle, faded or tangled, it's time to replace it. The average lifespan ranges from 4-6 months with proper care.

Avoiding Moisture Damage

Moisture is the number one threat to dried pampas grass. Even short exposure to small amounts of water or humidity causes the reeds to warp, wilt and discolor. Once moisture damage occurs, the grass cannot be restored.

Always keep arrangements in dry, well ventilated areas away from sinks, plants and outdoor elements. Never place pampas grass in soil or floral foam. These will hold moisture and cause rapid deterioration.

It's best to avoid steamy spaces like bathrooms or laundry rooms. Kitchens and outdoor areas near sprinklers or frequent rain should also be avoided.

Cleaning Pampas Grass

Occasional dusting keeps pampas grass looking its best. Use a blow dryer on a cool setting to remove settled dust and particles. Focus on the spots where blades overlap or become compressed.

For more thorough cleaning, take the arrangement apart and shake out each stem outdoors. A very gentle brushing with a soft dry brush can help loosen any debris. Avoid excessive handling of the delicate blades.

Pampas grass stems can also be wiped with a microfiber cloth to remove dust. Avoid chemical or liquid cleaners that may leave behind residue.

Sourcing and Preparing Pampas Grass

Pampas grass can be purchased online or from local florists and craft stores when in season. It is harvested and dried in the late summer months when plumes are full and feathery.

Choose plumes with tightly closed tips and avoid any with browned, wilted or ragged edges. The stems should feel sturdy yet flexible. Loose, unruly stems can easily become tangled and matted.

Prepping Stems

Upon receiving a new bundle of pampas grass, carefully cut 1-2 inches off the bottom of each stem. This allows more surface area to absorb water and nutrients. Remove any damaged portions with scissors as needed.

Next, place the stems in warm water for 30 minutes to rehydrate. Gently swirl the pampas grass around and massage the stems to encourage water uptake. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels or cloth.

Trimming to Size

Pampas grass stems can be trimmed to customize the length and shape of the arrangement. Use sharp pruners or scissors to carefully trim to the desired height and profile.

Cutting longer plumes slightly shorter at the bottom helps them sit upright in arrangements. Leaving bottom stems a touch longer creates a dramatic cascading effect.

Always make clean, angled snips to avoid crushing or damaging the stems. Handle the fragile blades gently during trimming.

Designing Stunning Displays

With its graceful, billowy texture, pampas grass makes a stunning focal point on its own. For more complex arrangements, combine it with a variety of other dried botanicals.

Color Pairings

Cool-toned grasses like sugarcane and bunny tails complement pampas grass nicely. Dried allium, scabiosa pods and lunaria create pleasing pops of lavender and purple. For more color, add in touches of dried roses, strawflowers, statice, celosia and amaranth.

Warm neutral tones can be introduced through dried protea, cotton blooms, clematis seed heads and assorted pepper berries. Dried ferns and eucalyptus in shades of gray and silver green also pair beautifully with the tan plumes.

Textural Contrast

The soft, fluffy texture of pampas grass works well alongside plants with more stiff, architectural shapes. Try mixing in sturdy branches, large palm fronds, bamboo or sticks.

Air plants like tillandsia provide nice dense, spiky textures. For more organic contrast, use seed pods, dried leaves, acorn capsules, pinecones and teasel blooms.

Height Variation

Pampas grass arrangements take on more visual interest when stems are varied in height. Use shorter plumes up front and larger, taller ones towards the back for more dimension.

Placing some stems horizontally and letting others cascade down adds movement and rhythm. Asymmetrical, organic designs feel more lively and free-flowing.

No matter the look, remember - never place pampas grass in soil or containers that hold moisture. Display it in dry vases or pots to retain its delicate beauty and neutral coloration for months. With airy lightness and graceful movement, pampas grass brings a touch of wild elegance to any space.

FAQs

How do I cut pampas grass stems?

Use sharp pruners or scissors to trim pampas grass stems to your desired length. Make clean, angled snips to avoid crushing the delicate blades. Handle the fragile stems gently while trimming.

How often should I clean pampas grass?

Dust pampas grass occasionally to keep it looking its best. Use a blow dryer on cool setting or gently wipe stems with a dry cloth. Thoroughly clean arrangements by taking apart and shaking out stems every few months.

What is the typical lifespan of pampas grass?

With proper care and avoidance of moisture, pampas grass typically lasts 4-6 months. Replace arrangements when stems appear brittle, faded or tangled.

Where should I place my pampas grass arrangement?

Display pampas grass in dry areas like living rooms, bedrooms, entryways, patios and offices. Avoid steamy bathrooms and kitchens or outdoor spaces near sprinklers. Do not place in soil or foam.

What dried flowers pair well with pampas grass?

Good pairings include dried lavender, eucalyptus, protea, strawflowers, pepper berries, seed pods, leaves and textural branches. Combine cool and warm neutral tones for optimal contrast.