Riding grass - the dry stalks can be used as bedding for animal enclosures, the flower spikes look great in autumn and with the height of 1.50 m you can use it as a small privacy screen. But only as long as the care is right
How do you properly care for riding grass?
Riding grass care includes cutting between February and March, moderate fertilization in spring, regular watering in dry conditions and winterization measures by tying them together and possibly protecting potted plants with fleece and straw.
Should you cut the riding grass?
Pruning this ornamental grass is not absolutely necessary. Over time, the old stalks wither. But for the sake of appearance, you should cut away the old inflorescences and stalks.
To do this, the grass is gathered into a tuft by hand. The other hand is used to cut off the plant parts. Cut them down to just above the ground. As a precaution, we recommend wearing gloves (€13.00 on Amazon) due to the sharp edges of the leaves.
When is the right time to cut?
Shortly before the fresh shoots, the perfect time to cut has come. This is usually the case in spring between February and March. You should not cut the riding grass in autumn, as its blades serve as protection from moisture in the winter. In addition, together with the flowers or fruit clusters, they are considered a pretty winter decoration.
Does the riding grass need fertilizer?
When fertilizing, please note:
- don’t fertilize too much
- Providing fertilizer in spring and at the start of flowering is advantageous
- Enrich the planting hole with compost before planting
- when kept in containers: fertilize every 4 weeks with liquid fertilizer
- do not fertilize after repotting in new soil
Do you have to water the riding grass regularly?
The water requirement of this plant is medium. It should be watered regularly, especially in dry seasons and in the heat of summer when there is no rain. In planters, watering plays a role all year round. The soil is poured when the top layer has dried. Make sure there is good drainage so that no waterlogging can form!
Is wintering necessary?
This is what you should know about riding grass in winter:
- is well hardy
- reacts sensitively to winter wetness
- Tie outdoor plants together in a bunch in November
- Potted plants: Wrap with fleece, place on a wooden block and cover the root area with straw
- water sparingly when dry
Tip
Every three to four years you should divide your riding grass with a spade in the spring to rejuvenate it and keep it growing.
