Chinese reed is generally considered to be quite easy to care for. In some gardens it spreads more than the owner would like. Even if a pruning does not prevent this, you should use a garden knife from time to time.

Chinese reed can be cut back in autumn or spring

When should I cut my Chinese reed?

The ideal time to cut Chinese reed is the time between the end of winter and the first sprout of new stalks, i.e. in spring. As a rule, this time has come in April, since Chinese reed sprout relatively late.

Why shouldn't I cut Chinese reed in autumn?

There are two reasons against pruning the Chinese reed in autumn. On the one hand, the reed can be damaged, on the other hand, you miss the decorative sight of the frosted Chinese reed in winter. If you live in a snowy area, you can tie the leaves and stalks together to protect against snow damage.

A pruning in autumn is particularly dangerous if it rains for a long time afterwards, because the rainwater can penetrate into the hollow stalks. As a result, the reed begins to rot easily. If you don't notice this in time, the rot can spread to the roots.

Are there any special features when cutting Chinese reed?

The stalks and leaves of the Chinese reed are relatively hard, so you need sturdy pruning shears for pruning, preferably one with high leverage. Of course, the scissors should also be clean and well sharpened.

If you have missed the ideal time for the pruning, then go to work with extra care. Cut the old stalks one by one from the outside in without damaging the young, freshly grown shoots. If the young shoots are still relatively short, you can alternatively cut off the old stalks in bunches above the young stalks.

Do I have to wear gloves when cutting?

The leaves of the Chinese reed are very sharp and can cause painful skin cuts. In addition, the sap that escapes when cutting can trigger an allergic skin reaction in sensitive people. Therefore, you should definitely wear gardening gloves when pruning.

Can I also prune the roots?

In principle, you can also cut the roots of all varieties of Chinese reed to prevent the reed from spreading uncontrollably in the garden. However, since these may grow very deep into the ground, a lot of work is involved. If you want to prevent the reed from spreading over a large area, it is better to use a root barrier when planting.

The essentials in brief:

  • be sure to wear gardening gloves
  • Best cut back in spring
  • think about dividing the plant
  • do not cut fresh shoots

tips

If you are busy with the pruning, you can also share your Chinese reed if necessary.

Category:

Vegetable garden