- What is worth noting when cutting?
- Is fertilizer essential for growth?
- When should you water ornamental grasses?
- Do ornamental grasses need winter protection?
Most of them appear light as a feather, especially when a gentle breeze blows through their stems. Others, on the other hand, look spectacular with their gigantic size and are ideal as privacy screens. So that you can enjoy your ornamental grass for many years, you should not neglect the care!
Most ornamental grasses are easy to care for and hardy
What is worth noting when cutting?
The aspect that is often taken lightly by beginners, but which harbors the greatest sources of error, is cutting. Ornamental grasses should not be cut in autumn. Patience is required because you only cut them in the spring.
The stalks and leaves serve as protection against moisture in winter. They also cover and protect the root area from frost. You can only cut off the flower stalks in autumn without hesitation, for example to use them as decoration. The remaining parts of the plant are cut down to 10 cm in spring.
Is fertilizer essential for growth?
If the ornamental grasses were planted in nutrient-rich soil, it only makes sense to apply the first fertilizer after 2 to 3 years. Most grasses don't need a lot of nutrients to grow. Too much fertilizer is harmful. It causes the ornamental grasses to lose their stability.
You should choose early spring to fertilize ornamental grasses. Some species can also be fertilized shortly before their flowering period. Examples of suitable fertilizers are:
- compost
- bark mulch
- pond water
- diluted manure
When should you water ornamental grasses?
Watering is crucial, especially in the first year after planting, so that the ornamental grasses can grow without any problems. Later it is sufficient to water the ornamental grasses in dry seasons and in summer heat. Ideally, water that is low in lime should be used.
Do ornamental grasses need winter protection?
Most ornamental grass species are hardy. They should not be cut before winter, but the large specimens such as pampas grass and Chinese reed should only be tied into a tuft. In addition, you can protect the root area with some brushwood. Ornamental grasses in tubs are covered with fleece in the area of the planter.
tips
When handling ornamental grasses directly, you should wear gloves to protect yourself from injuries caused by the sharp edges of the leaves.