The angel-hair-like stalks glitter silky and delicately in the sunlight. They sway back and forth in the wind. What an enchanting sight. If you want it every year, you shouldn't cut the blades of feather grass too early!
When and how should you cut feather grass?
As feather grass, it should be cut back to hand height (approx. 10-15 cm above the ground) in the spring between February and March, before new growth. Flower stems can be cut off in autumn, but this is not absolutely necessary.
The perfect timing
Are you one of those gardeners who quickly pull out the secateurs in autumn, roam around the garden and cut down the plants here and there? When you see feather grass in your garden, you should stop and turn around.
This ornamental grass is not cut in autumn. Pruning only takes place in spring between February and March. It is important that it is carried out before new growth occurs so that the new shoots are not damaged.
Why shouldn't you prune in the fall?
The stalks of feather grass are used by the plant itself as winter protection:
- protect from moisture (when it rains or snows, the water will drift sideways)
- protects against frostbite
- gives insects a shelter
- Side effect: looks good
How far does it cut down?
Cut your feather grass back about hand-high in spring to make room for the new shoots. Hand-high means approximately 10 to 15 cm above the ground. To do this, grasp the stalks of this ornamental grass with one hand and cut them off with the other hand armed with secateurs (€10.00 on Amazon).
Can you cut the flower stems?
In addition to pruning, the flower stems can be cut between late summer and autumn. Only the stalks with the feather-like flowers are cut off. This cut is not for care, but has a decorative background.
You can place the flower stalks in a vase at home or use them together with other flowers for dried flower bouquets. Don't worry: this cut does not affect the natural overwintering of this plant.
Tip
Cutting is not mandatory. With this delicate ornamental grass it is often enough to comb it with your hands to remove the old stalks.
