Sedges are particularly popular as ornamental grasses for bank areas, rock gardens, heath gardens and also in container culture on the terrace. They are considered undemanding in care. But do they need a trim or can the scissors stay in the drawer?
When and how should you cut a sedge?
A sedge should be cut in spring before it sprouts. Cut the plant back 2 inches above the ground with sharp, clean pruning shears. Protective gloves are recommended as sedge leaves can have sharp edges.
Sedges do not necessarily need pruning
Regardless of what type of sedge it is - as ornamental grasses, sedges do not necessarily need pruning to look well-groomed. Old leaves and stalks simply die and rot over time. But under certain circumstances, pruning can make sense
Too wide, too shaggy – a cut is now in order
It may be advisable to cut a sedge for several reasons. This particularly includes the following points:
- got too big
- out of shape
- ruffled leaves
- damaged stalks due to frost and sunshine at the same time
- parts affected by diseases
How do you cut and when?
The sedge is cut back to the ground (5 cm above the ground). It tolerates pruning well. The best time for pruning is in spring. Make sure to cut back the plant before it sprouts! Otherwise, you could remove new shoots by cutting.
Use sharp and clean secateurs (€56.00 on Amazon)! Alternatively, you can also cut with a knife or hedge trimmer. Gather the stalks together with your hands. Then take the scissors or knife and cut through the stalks with one cut. Now the stalks are disposed of. Done!
It takes time for the grass to grow well again. Patience is required If you don't want to wait that long, just thin out the sedge. You can do this all year round on frost-free days.
Avoid injuries by wearing gloves
Typical for sedges: Their leaves are extremely sharp-edged. Anyone who gets too close to them without protection will face injuries. Therefore, as a precaution, you should wear gardening gloves for protection when cutting back this plant!
Tip
If the sedge is bare in the middle, a cut doesn't always help. Then it is better to divide the plant in spring. As a result, it sprouts again vigorously.
