Like many grasses, it flowers in the late summer and fall, its white cotton candylike plumes finally turning brown after the first frost. It should be cut down to nearly ground level in March, and allowed to come back from the crown. May reach 8 feet or larger in height and spread. Nearly evergreen in warm climates. Screens, hedges, focal point in specimen and accent plantings in lawns, rock and water gardens, around swimming pools and patios.
Plumes are useful in dried arrangements.
Fountain grass has more compact growth habit and crimson foliage. Muhlenbergia lindheimeri , muhly grass, is smaller than Pampas and its leaves are fine-textured. About a dozen cultivars are recognized. Rosea' has a light-pink inflorescence. Useful as a windbreak, hedge or specimen, Pampas establishes quickly, easily growing from a gallon container size to several feet in a single growing season and flowering abundantly its first October.