Feather grass probably looks most impressive in the garden as a solitary plant or planted in several specimens. It loves warmth, it tolerates drought and it grows slowly. How to care for it to stay he althy?
How do you properly care for feather grass?
Feather grass care in spring includes cutting back to 10 cm of soil height, occasional watering in dry conditions, usually no fertilizer, overwintering with stalks and protection from waterlogging. Diseases and pests are rare.
When and how should you cut the feather grass?
You should take the correct cutting of feather grass seriously:
- do not cut back in autumn
- Stalks and leaves serve as natural protection against winter wetness
- prune in early spring (February to March)
- This creates space for new shoots
- Cut back hand-high or up to 10 cm above the ground
Should you water the feather grass and if so, when?
The biggest enemy of this ornamental grass is waterlogging. Therefore, be sure to plant it in well-drained soil. The feather grass does not necessarily need to be watered. You should only supply it with water in summer heat and during long dry periods.
Does the feather grass need fertilizer?
Is your feather grass barely growing anymore? The pretty flowers are missing too? A portion of fertilizer might help now. Normally, feather grass does not need fertilizer as it prefers poor soil. But if it loses strength, adding fertilizer in the form of manure, coffee grounds or black tea may help. Even in the pot, the feather grass should only be fertilized sparingly.
How do you overwinter this ornamental grass?
In winter, the feather grass is tied into a bundle with a rope. If you accidentally cut off the stalks, you should place spruce or fir branches over the root area. This protects against moisture. It is not necessary to take any further action.
Are there any diseases or pests that make life difficult for him?
There are usually no pests that voluntarily go near this ornamental grass. At least pests don't eat away at the leaves and stalks. At best, they come closer to the feather grass in order to find shelter there, for example for overwintering. If you notice any diseased stalks or leaves, simply cut them off.
Tip
You can safely cut off the dried flower stalks on the plant in the fall and place them in a vase at home (without water).
