Pennisetum grass forms eye-catching focal points in the garden all year round. Especially in winter, when the panicles are covered with hoarfrost, it becomes an attraction. When spring begins, it sprout again and needs a little care. In this article you will find out how to promote healthy budding.
In the spring, the lamp cleaner grass sprouts freshly and happily
Preparation for spring
In order for the grass to sprout vigorously, you need to pay some attention to it in early spring:
- As soon as the temperatures rise and the danger of persistent night frosts has passed, the winter protection should be removed.
- After the long winter, the leaves left uncut in the fall are withered and easy to remove. Cut these off just above the ground and Pennisetum will push through quickly and vigorously.
- Wear gloves when doing this work, as the leaf edges of the hardy ornamental grass can be razor-sharp.
The pruning prevents the dead plant parts from getting tangled up with the young shoots. That would hinder new growth in the long term.
If the lamp cleaner grass sprout, it can be divided
Over the years, Pennisetum forms impressive clumps that can grow so large that neighboring plants are disturbed in their growth. In the spring, shortly after they have sprouted, you can lift them out of the ground with a spade and divide them.
- Before dividing, the dried stalks must be cut off a hand's breadth above the ground.
- With very large clumps, separating with a spade does not always work. You may need an ax or saw for these.
- Divide the ball into three or four pieces.
- Put them a little deeper in the ground, which ensures strong new shoots and lush growth in the first year.
tips
Do not plant the pennisetum too densely in the bed and give them enough space to spread out. This also promotes healthy budding.