The tall grass is one of the more exotic-looking plants to happily grow on UK soil and is popular with gardening fans thanks to its minimal upkeep – but it’s not as highly regarded in other countries

An ‘invasive’ plant, banned in four countries, is still prevalent in the UK and favoured by gardening enthusiasts due to its low maintenance. Pampas grass, also known as Cortaderia selloana, is among the more exotic plants that thrive on UK soil.

This tall grass with sharp edges and long, fluffy ‘feathers’ is extremely hardy, with a single plant capable of producing up to a million seeds over its lifetime. Once cheekily considered a secret signal of swingers when planted in front gardens, it has surged in popularity again and is now commonly seen both inside and outside homes.

Celebrities like Stacey Solomon and Dani Dyer have been spotted using dried pampas as home decor. The plant’s popularity has even extended into the Christmas season, with designer Sahar Kasiri incorporating it into many of her creations.

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However, it’s not as well-received elsewhere. The attractive plant is prohibited in the American states of California and Hawaii, where it’s classified as an invasive weed.

It’s also banned in Spain, France, and parts of Australia. Connexion France reports that individuals in the country risk fines of up to €150,000 for having this invasive species in their gardens.

This effectively makes it ‘banned’, with prohibitions on bringing pampas grass into the country, owning it, transporting it live, marketing it, using it, or exchanging it. The law even refers to ‘holding’ it, which means owning the plant.

The Royal Horticultural Society advises that the large evergreen species benefits from a thorough pruning once a year in early spring. The RHS team suggests: “Cut them back as far as possible without damaging the new growth. Wear eye protection and thick gloves as the leaf blades have sharp edges. Cut tough stems with loppers. Burning pampas grass is not advisable, as the crown can be damaged.”

Keen gardeners on the Gardening UK – Hints, tips & advice Facebook group, which has 160,000 members, stressed the importance of wearing gloves when tending to it.

One member shared: “I chop it back just after winter it gets a good haircut it’s quite sharp so be careful. A good cut once a year then it grows back beautifully.”

Another warned: “Whatever you decide to do just be careful, pampas grass leaves can cut like a knife”. A third added: “You can cut right down to stump in march/april very resilient plant but razor sharp leaves so wear gloves and long sleeves. They will grow back beautifully green in spring and feathery stalks lovely and upright.”

Pampas are also known for their utility as privacy screens, wind breaks and camouflage for unwanted views, growing up to three metres tall.

So if you’re seeking extra privacy in your garden without breaking the bank on an expensive privacy fence, pampas grass could be the solution. Landscape design expert Pollyanna Wilkinson revealed the £11.99 buy ensures your neighbours can’t peep through into your outside space.