CUTTING BACK ORNAMENTAL GRASSES

Ian

I have a large display of deciduous ornamental grasses. They are absolutely lovely but do tend to get a bit untidy at this time of year. Could you tell me how to tidy them up and to look after them please? SB Carn.


CUTTING BACK ORNAMENTAL GRASSES

Don’t despair. I personally like the unruly look of ornamental grasses in winter. I like the way that the bleached stems provide structure, movement, and shelter for wildlife in a season when many plants have died back completely, although this is not to everyone’s taste. The dense clumps that they form could start to rot if it is waterlogged for any length of time. They tend to do this around Inishowen as generally drainage is at its limits at this time of year. Grasses are just like any other herbaceous perennial in the way they are reduced in size.

DECIDUOUS GRASSES

Cut back any spent stems with secatuers. Take care not to damage any new growth that may already be coming up through the crown of the plant. Stems and debris can be pulled out by hand from the centre of the clump. When the grass is cut back half-way it is easier to see what you are doing, and to avoid damaging any young green shoots coming up through the lower part of the clump. You can now cut the clump back to a few centimetres from ground level, leaving a hairy tuft through which the new growth can come up easily without getting tangled with the old stems. When you’ve done this you will find that water can now run through it easily. Pick out any dead leaves or debris from the crown of the plant, and remove any weeds. Tidy the surrounding area. You may wish to mulch and top-dress around the crown with 50g per sq m of a general fertiliser. This will feed the plant as it comes back into growth, and freshen up its appearance before the spring.


Horticultural.