I don't know if you got my email, but I have pampas grass with the pink plums. Elly

Since pampas grass is evergreen, especially in the OP's climate, it doesn't require cutting back annually. There are many plantings of it my area that rarely get cut back. In fact, it tends to look better and with a more natural fountaining habit if left untrimmed. For that reason, plus the fact that most grasses are very drought tolerant and do not require any fertilization, it IS considered very low maintenance. If the grass does need attention - removing old, tattered plumes, the occasional trimming or very infrequent dividing - be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing. The blades are very sharp and can cut easily.

How hardy is this plant? Can it be killed off with herbicide - which herbicide is recommended and when should it be applied? Please be aware this may look interesting but it is a horrible species and takes over wetland areas. It grows very tall and spreads to fill the area where it is planted - dense tall grass. I have 8 acres of wetlands registered as conservation lands - they are in the headwaters of one of the major rivers here in Southern Ontario. This grass is taking over from the Bull Rushes and many local plant species and simply out-competes them - result is a mono-culture of this species. It is invassive and has spread 2 km from someones garden in local village. It is now about 100 yards from my property - filling all ditches and wetland areas. Consider it to be an INVASSIVE and NON-NATIVE species. It will destroy all local habitat for native butterflies, insects, birds etc. which are currently thriving here. I suggest that it is best to find a local species of plant for whatever your needs. I've also spent 5-6 years fighting Garlic Mustard - another invassive species that was taking over in 23 acres of my adjacent woodlands - this also becomes a monoculture and starves out all other plants. I have extensive Trillium flowering in the spring along with many other local species of native flowers and young tree seedlings under the mature Canopy of hardwoods. Apparently the leaves of this invasive species also kills off other plants. Last year Ifinally got on top of Mustard weed - but what ana effort! I do not look forward to battling this grass. - Seeds spread by wind, shoes, local deer, and other animals. This grass will get to my wetlands and although I hate using herbicide, i have little choice!

There is no overlap between real Pampas Grass (Cortaderia) and Fountain Grass (Pennisetum). The smallest Pampas Grass is much larger and has much larger flowers than the largest Fountain Grass. The best way to learn to ID the larger grasses from a drive-by is to study Google Images. A few to look up would be Cortaderia selloana, Miscanthus sinensis, Panicum virgatum, Saccharum ravennae, Arundo donax and Sporobolus wrightii. Get to know things like their foliage height, flowering height and time of flowering. This will help you to name what you see while driving by.