The charming, brush-shaped spikes and the attractive red-brown colored foliage make this Pennisetum species a highlight in the garden. In addition, it only has a small growth height and is therefore very well suited for beautifying balconies or terraces. But is this robust pipe cleaner grass also hardy and how does it have to be cared for in the cold season?

Red lamp cleaner grass is quite sensitive to frost

The red lamp cleaning grass is sensitive to frost

This ornamental grass originally comes from the warm Mediterranean region and North Africa. For this reason, unlike almost all other Pennisetum species, the plant is not fully winter-hardy.

Overwinter potted plants

The red lamp cleaner grass can be cultivated very well in a sufficiently large bucket. As soon as temperatures drop into the single digits, bring it back inside.

  • Pour vigorously again.
  • The ambient temperature in the winter quarters should be between eight and twelve degrees.
  • Otherwise, the red lamp cleaner grass is undemanding. However, do not let the root ball dry out completely and water occasionally.

As soon as the temperatures rise again, you can return the ornamental grass that is not winter-hardy to its accustomed place. If cool nights threaten again, you should temporarily protect the plant with a plant fleece.

Overwinter Pennisetum setaceum rubrum outdoors

Do you live in a region with more moderate weather conditions and the ornamental grass stands at one

  • protected by a wall,
  • to warm,
  • windless

place, you can dare to hibernate outdoors. To do this, proceed as follows:

  • Tie the long ears of corn into a loose tuft.
  • Never cut them back, because they are a natural protection against the cold.
  • Apply a thick layer of spruce branches, bark mulch or straw in the root area.
  • Wrap the lower half of the grass with a special plant protection fleece.
  • You do not have to water or fertilize during the winter months.

As soon as temperatures rise, the winter protection is removed. Now you should shorten the stalks. Work some compost into the soil so that the ornamental grass has enough nutrients to sprout.

tips

The red lamp cleaner grass feels extremely well in a full sun location. Although it tolerates drought relatively well, you should water thoroughly on warm summer days. A drainage layer of gravel or sand ensures root health.

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Herbs