People are removing a common plant from their gardens as it’s said to imply they could be swingers. Many are stepping into action in April to remedy the supposed issue
11:10, 09 Apr 2026Updated 11:10, 09 Apr 2026
People are digging up the common plant (stock image)(Image: Dzurag via Getty Images)
People have begun uprooting a particular plant from their gardens after discovering it carries a rather unlikely connotation. The widespread plant is a familiar sight in gardens throughout the country, yet many are unaware it can lead others to assume they’re swingers.
TikTok has recently been flooded with viral videos of people removing the plant from their gardens, with horticultural experts including NGS Gardening demonstrating the correct removal technique. Meanwhile, one Reddit user previously explained their own decision to dig theirs up, leaving many readers rather taken aback.
It appears homeowners are removing the plant for one specific reason, with April considered an ideal time to tackle the task. This isn’t the first time the issue has surfaced either, as people previously admitted they didn’t know about the plant’s hidden meaning.
One social media user wrote: “Bought a house and dug out a massive pampas grass, because we are definitely not swingers! How do I get grass to fill the hole?”
The post sparked considerable debate, with many commenters admitting they were completely unaware of the plant’s alleged symbolism.
One user remarked: “Was it hard to remove? We’ve just bought a house with three huge ones and I hate them.” The original poster responded: “I sawed through it with hedge cutters to about two foot tall and then it took me about an hour to dig out from there.
“It was an effort. Just couldn’t look it at it any longer!”
Another expressed their bewilderment, simply posting: “Swingers?” Someone clarified: “Having a pampas grass allegedly used to signal to people that you enjoyed swinging. E.g. partner swapping.”
A third also remarked: “This is making me cackle.” What you might not know is that for decades, having pampas grass in your garden was rumoured to indicate you’re a swinger.
It’s a well-known British urban myth, believed to originate from 1970s and 1980s suburban culture when these towering plants were supposedly a discreet signal to neighbours with similar interests. While some regard it as an amusing tale, others still prefer not to have it present.
What you should know
Beyond its unconventional alleged associations, homeowners might also be clearing pampas grass now because it’s an optimal time for the task. April is regarded as a perfect month to remove or trim back pampas grass, falling within the prime “late winter to early spring” period before fresh, green shoots fully emerge.
Cutting it back now allows you to clear away the dead, weathered and potentially decay-prone foliage from winter. The essential approach is using sharp loppers or an electric hedge trimmer to reduce the plant to roughly six to eight inches (15cm to 20cm) above ground level.
When undertaking this work, always wear robust gardening gloves, long sleeves and eye protection, as pampas grass features razor-sharp leaves that can readily slice skin. Meanwhile, if you’re removing it for division purposes, spring is an excellent time to excavate the root ball.
By April, winter conditions have typically rendered the plant simpler to trim back. This is precisely why it’s advisable to attempt the task now.
Should you require additional guidance, get in touch with a professional gardener. They can assist you with removal if you find it difficult to manage yourself.
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