Most of them appear as light as a feather, especially when a gentle breeze blows through their stalks. Others look spectacular with their gigantic size and function ideally as privacy screens. So that you can enjoy your ornamental grass for many years, you should not neglect its care!
How do you properly care for ornamental grasses?
Caring for ornamental grasses includes cutting in spring, sparing fertilization, regular watering in the first year and winter protection by tying them together and covering the roots. Gloves protect against sharp leaf edges.
What is important to consider when cutting?
The aspect that is often taken lightly by beginners, but has the greatest potential for error, is cutting. Ornamental grasses should not be cut in the fall. Patience is required because you don't cut them until spring.
The stalks and leaves serve as protection against moisture in winter. They also cover and protect the root area from frost. You can only cut off the flower stalks in autumn without hesitation, for example to use them as decoration. The remaining plant parts are cut down to 10 cm in spring.
Is fertilizer essential for growth?
If the ornamental grasses were planted in nutrient-rich soil, the first application of fertilizer only makes sense after 2 to 3 years. Most grasses don't need a lot of nutrients to grow. Too much fertilizer is more likely to be harmful. It causes the ornamental grasses to lose their stability.
You should choose early spring to fertilize ornamental grasses. Some species can also be fertilized shortly before their flowering period. Suitable fertilizers include:
- Compost
- Bark mulch
- Pond water
- diluted manure
When should you water ornamental grasses?
Watering is crucial, especially in the first year after planting, so that the ornamental grasses can grow without any problems. Later it is sufficient to water the ornamental grasses in dry times and in summer heat. Ideally, low-lime water should be used.
Do ornamental grasses need winter protection?
Most types of ornamental grass are hardy. They should not be cut before winter, but the large specimens such as pampas grass and miscanthus should only be tied together in a knot. You can also protect the root area with some brushwood. Ornamental grasses in pots are covered with fleece in the area of the planter.
Tip
When handling ornamental grasses directly, you should wear gloves (€9.00 on Amazon) to protect yourself from injuries caused by the sharp edges of the leaves.
