- Sedges do not necessarily need pruning
- Too wide, too shaggy - a cut is in order now
- Avoid injury from wearing gloves
As ornamental grasses, they are particularly popular for riparian zones, rock gardens, heath gardens and also in pot culture on the terrace, the sedges. They are considered undemanding in terms of care. But do they need to be cut back or can the scissors stay in the drawer?
If the sedge is too shaggy or too big, a pruning can help
Sedges do not necessarily need pruning
Regardless of which type of sedge it is - as ornamental grasses, sedges do not necessarily need to be pruned to look well-groomed. Old leaves and stalks simply die off and rot over time. But under certain circumstances, a pruning can make sense…
Too wide, too shaggy - a cut is in order now
It may be advisable to prune a sedge for a number of reasons. This includes the following points in particular:
- got too big
- out of shape
- ruffled leaves
- damaged stalks from frost and sunshine at the same time
- parts affected by disease
How is it cut and when?
The sedge is cut back to the ground (5 cm above the ground). It tolerates pruning well. Spring is the best time to cut back. Be sure to cut back the plant before it sprouts fresh! Otherwise you could remove new shoots by cutting.
Use sharp and clean secateurs! Alternatively, you can also cut with a knife or hedge shears (77.00 €). Gather the stalks with your hands. Then take the scissors or the knife and cut through the stalks with one snip. Now the straws are disposed of. Ready!
It takes a while for the grass to grow well again. Patience is required… If you don't want to wait that long, simply thin out the sedge. You can do this all year round on frost-free days.
Avoid injury from wearing gloves
Typical for sedges: their leaves are extremely sharp-edged. If you get too close to them without protection, you will have to expect injuries. Therefore, as a precaution, you should wear gardening gloves for protection when pruning this plant!
tips
If the sedge is bald in the middle, a cut does not always help. Then it is better to divide the plant in spring. As a result, it drives out vigorously again.