In terms of care, the feather bristle grass is considered undemanding and suitable for beginners. But is it really like that? Especially when cutting, you should not go to work naïvely.
Feather bristle grass should not be cut in autumn
fall pruning? D rather not!
While many other plants are cut back in the fall, feather bristlegrass has to wait. Fall is not a good time to prune it back. Wait until spring and let the feather bristlegrass hibernate as is.
The stalks and leaves act as winter protection
The stalks and leaves, which have already dried up, serve as natural winter protection. If they are removed, snow, rain and ice can hit the root area of this ornamental grass directly. When there is a thaw it can get wet. This often results in rot. Then the feather bristle grass can no longer be helped.
On the other hand, if the plant parts remain standing - they can be tied together in a bundle with a rope so as not to snap off - they keep water away from the root area for the most part. On top of that, they give hibernating insects a cozy shelter.
Cut back between February and March
Early spring is the right time to cut back. The period between February and March has turned out to be ideal. Then there is only a little frost and the new shoots have not yet started.
Grab the secateurs, gather the stalks into a bundle with your hands and cut off the parts of the plant. You should cut them back to 10 cm above the ground. If they weren't affected by disease, they can end up in the compost.
Other reasons for a cut
In addition to pruning to remove the old parts of the plant and to stimulate the growth of new stalks and leaves, there are other reasons to pull out the scissors in the presence of the feather bristlegrass. These include:
- for removing dried, brown plant parts
- Cutting off the flowers for the vase, for example
- for removing diseased plant parts
tips
In September, cut off the flower stalks, clean them of possible insects and put them in a vase at home. For many months these dry flower awns look beautiful and decorative.