Ornamental grasses ∗ The 10 best care and planting tips

Plant ornamental grasses correctly

In April, the time window opens for the ideal time to plant ornamental grass. As part of the preparatory work, place the still potted root ball in water until no more air bubbles rise. Meanwhile, loosen the soil thoroughly at the appropriate location to remove roots, stones and weeds. Dig a planting pit that is slightly larger than the root ball. You enter the earth in a wheelbarrowto them with compost and Horn shavings(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) to mix. Now pot the soaked root ball and position it in the middle of the pit so that the previous planting depth is maintained. Fill the cavities with the substrate, press everything down and pour. A mulch layer made of leaves, grass clippings or bark mulch provides natural protection for rapid rooting.

Care tips

Regardless of the selected species of ornamental grass, the following priorities must be set in professional care for all species:

Never let the root ball dry out or drown it in waterlogging
Organic in the bed fertilize in March / April and at the beginning of the flowering period
In autumn, tie the eyrie loosely to the forelock and cover the root disc with leaves
Before fresh shoots in early spring, cut back to 10 cm above the ground

Water more regularly in pots, as the substrate dries out quickly. From March to August, every 3-4 weeks is fertilized with a liquid fertilizer for green plants that is diluted by half with water. It is an advantage if the ornamental grass in the tub can spend the winter in a light, frost-free area. Alternatively, wrap the vessel with bubble wrap or colorful jute ribbons and slide a block of cold-insulating wood underneath. Please keep in mind that evergreen ornamental grass species and varieties continue to evaporate moisture both in the bed and in the pot. If the root ball is threatened by drought stress, water on mild days.
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Which location is suitable?

Ornamental grasses are always satisfied with a partially shaded location. Selected ornamental grass species thrive in full sun, such as Pampas grass or silver ear grass. Mother Nature even has beautiful specimens ready for the shady place, such as the mushroom headsedge or the moorPipe grass. With regard to the nature of the soil, it can generally be stated that fresh, well-drained soil is desirable. With very few exceptions, ornamental grasses know how to cope better with short-term drought than with waterlogging.

The correct planting distance

With regard to the different heights and widths of ornamental grasses, no general information on the best planting distance can be made. As a rule of thumb, use the expected growth width as the basis for an ornamental grass as a solitary in the bed. In the group, reduce this value by 5-10 cm. For the correct distance to the neighbor, the local requirements of the neighborhood law apply. Contact the responsible public order office so that there is no trouble with the neighbor later.

What is the best time to plant?

In order to give an ornamental grass a suitable time window for rooting, we recommend spring planting. By the first frost, the ornamental grasses have established themselves to such an extent that they can get through the cold season in good health. If you choose the typical herbaceous planting time in autumn, a thick layer of leaves and coniferous branches will protect the young root ball from frost damage.
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When is the flowering time?

The central flowering period extends from late summer until well into autumn. This applies in particular to immigrated ornamental grass species such as pennon cleaner grass, Chinese reed or pampas grass. Ornamental grasses native to us, on the other hand, are already in the limelight in spring with delicate, discreetly colored flowers. The heart trembling grass with a flowering time from May to July is a prime example. The ornamental grass is topped by the native mountain sedge, which sets decorative accents as early as March.

Cut ornamental grasses correctly

Every species of ornamental grass needs its leaves as a protective shield against winter cold and moisture. Therefore, do not prune the plant at the end of the flowering period or before the first frost. How to do it right:

In late autumn, tie the eyrie with ropes to form a loose head
Remove the withered stalks in early spring before the new shoots
In advance, check the eyrie for hibernating animals in order to postpone the date if necessary
Grasp the grass with one hand and cut it close to the ground with the scissors in the other hand

You comb evergreen ornamental grass with one Rake through or pluck withered stalks. Do not attempt this work until you have put on sturdy gloves. The edges of the grass are sometimes razor-sharp and can cause deep cuts.
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Pour ornamental grass

Adjust the water balance to the selected ornamental grass variety. Varieties that love drought are satisfied with the natural rainfall. Where the focus is on a fresh to moist location from the outset, water the perennial whenever the surface of the earth has dried up. This is less the case in beds than in buckets. While ornamental grasses mostly tolerate short-term drought, waterlogging causes irreparable rot in the root ball.

Fertilize ornamental grass properly

Fertilize your ornamental grass at the start of the season and again when the flowering period begins. Organic fertilizers such as compost, Horn shavings,(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) Guano granules or bark humus. In pots, apply a liquid fertilizer for green plants every 2-3 weeks from March to August.
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Overwinter

Ornamental grass brings its most important winter protection with it, because the stalks protect the root ball from the cold and wet. Therefore, do not cut back the perennial in autumn. Rather, you tie the blades of grass together in one or more loose tufts. Colorful jute ribbons create a decorative appearance. Then cover the root disc thickly with autumn leaves or brushwood. Ornamental grass in the bucket ideally moves to bright, frost-free winter quarters. Where this plan fails due to insufficient space, place the pot on wood and wrap it with fleece, jute or foil.

Ziergraeser propagate

To increase the existing company of your favorite ornamental grasses, divide the rhizome. How to do it right:

After pruning in spring, lift the root ball out of the ground
With a knife, that spade or one saw cut up the ornamental grass
An optimal section has at least 3-4 leaves or buds

While maintaining the previous planting depth, place the segments in the prepared soil at the new location. There, add compost to the excavation to promote rooting. A sufficient supply of water is the top priority of the gardener in the following days and weeks.

How do I transplant properly?

The robust constitution of ornamental grass enables a problem-free change of location. This is especially true during the first 5 years. For the action, choose a day in spring when the soil is completely thawed. The work is easier when the necessary pruning has been carried out. Dig up the root ball with as much soil as possible. At the new location, the planting hole should already be prepared and the excavation enriched with compost. Keep the previous planting depth, step on the soil and water.

Ziergraeser in the pot

Some of the most beautiful ornamental grass varieties add eye-catching accents in pots on the balcony, terrace or window sill. Use high-quality, structurally stable potted plant soil with a low proportion of peat. The addition of sand, Lava granules and Expanded clay(€ 16.35 at Amazon *) ensures good permeability. In addition, drainage from potsherds or gravel prevents damaging waterlogging. Constant humidity with drying phases in between regulates the water balance. The adequate supply of nutrients is ensured through monthly administration of a diluted liquid fertilizer for green plants. If frost-free winter quarters are not available for the cold season, place the pot on wood in front of the south wall of the house. In addition, cover the substrate with leaves and wrap the container with foil or jute tapes.

Is ornamental grass poisonous?

You won't find ornamental grasses in the long lists of poisonous ornamental plants. In view of the abundant diversity of species and varieties, however, it cannot be ruled out with certainty that there is one or the other slightly poisonous ornamental grass underneath. If in doubt, ask carefully when purchasing to be on the safe side.

Nice varieties

For your inspiration we have put together the following selection of magnificent ornamental grass varieties, carefully selected from hundreds of species and thousands of hybrids.

Giraffe: beautiful, ornamental Chinese reeds thanks to horizontally striped stalks in a delicate yellow; 180-250 cm
Pumila: Majestic pampas grass with opulent, silver-white flower torches for sunny locations; 90-250 cm
Karl Foerster: Beautiful riding grass, tightly upright, silvery-pink bloom and beautiful winter look; 100-150 cm
Hänse Herms: impressive switchgrass with spectacular autumn colors in bright red; 70-120 cm
Fireworks: Stunning pennon grass with purple stalks and cream-colored flowers; 60-100 cm
Transparent: Filigree, lusciously branched pipe grass with transparent elegance for partially shaded locations; 60-180 cm
Bronze veil: Opulent forest Schmiele with golden-yellow flowers in furious fountains until well into autumn; 60-120 cm
Elijah Blue: Blue fescue with steel-blue stalks and yellow-brown awns for sunny and hot locations; 15-25 cm
Diamond grass: The ideal ornamental grass for the bucket to decorate the autumn balcony with silvery-pink flowers; 70-80 cm
The Beatles: Shade-compatible mushroom-head sedge with overhanging stalks and early flowering from April; 20-30 cm