The Japanese sedge looks like a small, spiky ball. Whether with white, colorful or just green foliage - it requires little care. But what does it look like in winter? Can it tolerate frost or does it need winter protection?
Is the Japanese sedge hardy?
The Japanese sedge is a hardy ornamental grass that can tolerate temperatures down to -20 °C. As a rule, no winter protection is necessary, except when grown in pots or free-standing in sunny locations. Protective measures can include leaves, brushwood or pine branches.
This evergreen ornamental grass is hardy
The Japanese sedge is an evergreen ornamental grass that also presents its decorative foliage in winter. The Japanese sedge does not necessarily need winter protection. It is considered to be very hardy. Their temperature minimum is around -20 °C.
Protect outdoor plants in exceptional cases
Is your Japanese sedge in a sunny location? Then it is advisable to protect them from the sun over the winter. If there is frost, it can otherwise damage the leaves and stalks. The following are good for protection:
- Leaves
- brushwood
- Fir branches
Protecting Japanese sedges in pots
Japanese sedges in pot culture are a big exception. If they stay outside over the winter, they will probably freeze to death. The frost penetrates to the roots. The roots freeze and can no longer transport water to the leaves. As a result, the Japanese sedge dies due to drying out.
So protect your Japanese sedge when it is in a pot! This is how it works:
- cut down in autumn
- from October surround the pot area with fleece or a jute bag
- put the pot on the wall of the house
- place a log or a polystyrene plate under the pot
- remove winter protection from April
- water every now and then
Cut, divide and fertilize after winter
When winter is over, there is a lot of care to be taken. First of all, you should cut back your Japanese sedge if necessary (if there is baldness, severe frost damage, etc.). The cut is made until just above the ground.
Then you can dig up the ornamental grass and divide it. Division stimulates growth and is ideal as a propagation method. Whether divided or not – adding fertilizer is also recommended. Compost and horn shavings are suitable as fertilizer. They are carefully worked into the soil.
Tip
It is ideal if you plant the Japanese sedge under deciduous trees. There the leaves fall on the Japanese sedge in autumn and act as winter protection.