When the switchgrass dresses up in late summer with feathery flower spikes that sway over elegantly curved stalks, you as a gardener have done everything right. This guide to caring for Panicum virgatum shows how easy it is to get there.
How do I care for switchgrass properly?
Switchgrass care includes regular watering (especially in the first 2 years), fertilizing with compost (€12.00 on Amazon) or liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks, pruning in March, winter protection with stalks left standing and in the bucket with jute ribbons or bubble wrap.
Should I water the switchgrass regularly?
The need for watering decreases with age. Please water a freshly planted switchgrass regularly as soon as the soil surface has dried. Continue doing this for the first two years. A well-established Panicum virgatum should be watered thoroughly once or twice a week during summer droughts. Otherwise, the ornamental grass is content with normal rainfall.
Does the ornamental grass require fertilizer?
The more nutrient-rich the soil, the more magnificent the play of colors of switchgrass. Therefore, fertilize the ornamental grass every 4 weeks from March to September with compost (€12.00 on Amazon) or liquid fertilizer. Lightly rake compost, horn shavings, bark humus or guano granules into the root disc and water again. Simply add the liquid fertilizer to the water in the bucket.
When and how is the switchgrass cut?
The dead stalks protect the heart of the plant from moisture and cold in winter. In addition, switchgrass serves as a safe shelter for numerous beneficial insects during hibernation. How to cut the ornamental grass correctly:
- In March, cut the switchgrass back to a hand's width above the ground
- To do this, gather the stalks in bunches and cut them off
Please make sure that no shoots are visible yet. If you cut into the fresh blades of grass, the appearance will be spoiled for the rest of the year because the cuts will turn brown.
Is winter protection useful?
Switchgrass is hardy down to -28 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, permanent moisture in the clump causes root rot. Therefore, do not cut back the dead stalks in autumn as they protect the heart of the plant. No other precautions need to be taken in the bed. Place the bucket on a wooden block and cover the container with jute ribbons, fleece or bubble wrap.
Tip
With head-high autumn bloomers, switchgrass forms a wonderful neighborhood in the large garden. If you arrange the elegant ornamental grass together with the 150-190 cm tall candelabra speedwell 'Lavender Tower' and the 140-180 cm high white October daisy, you are sure to get admiring looks over the garden fence.
