Even if the name suggests it, the common carnation (Armeria) is not a carnation. Instead, the grass-like perennial is a member of the leadwort family. It is also known as common grass carnation or rock garden carnation and thrives wonderfully in heath or rock gardens. Grass cloves require little care and regular pruning is basically not necessary.
When and how should you cut a grass clove?
Carnations should be regularly pruned back during flowering to promote a longer flowering period. Cuttings can be taken in June or July to further propagate the stock. A final pruning takes place in autumn in preparation for the winter break.
Cut back wilted flowers
However, it makes sense to regularly cut back spent inflorescences, as the perennial continues to produce new flowers well into autumn. In this case, the gardener also speaks of “reassembly”. The plant strives to produce seeds and will therefore continue to flower (and produce seed-bearing fruits) until it has achieved its goal. The final pruning takes place in autumn in preparation for the winter break. No further measures are necessary because carnations are absolutely hardy.
Cut cuttings in summer
In June or July you can also cut cuttings and increase your stock of thrift - either for your own use or to give as gifts to friends and neighbors. And this is how the propagation of grass cuttings works:
- Cut off young shoots that are about six to eight centimeters long.
- These are cut off just above the ground
- and should not have any flowers or buds.
- Clean and sharp household scissors are sufficient for cutting.
- Plant the cuttings in seed pots with sand.
- Alternatively, a mixture of sand and peat is also suitable for cultivation.
- The humidity should be increased as the cuttings will then root more easily.
- For this purpose, place the pots in an indoor greenhouse or
- Put translucent foil over it.
- Keep the substrate evenly moist.
The cuttings will begin to take root after about six weeks. You can tell when the young plants sprout. Now you can remove the film or remove the cultivation pots from the indoor greenhouse. The young thrushes can finally be planted outdoors in autumn or the following spring.
Tip
Instead, the cuttings can also be grown in a cold frame.
