Pipe grass ∗ The 10 best care and planting tips

Origin and Distribution

The two types of pipe grass used in the garden, the giantPipe grass (Molinia arundinacea, Molinia caerulea subsp. arundinacea) and the blue pipe grass (Molinia caerulea) belong to the small genus of the pipe grass (bot. Molinia) and within this to the grass family (bot. Poaceae. Both species are widespread both in Europe and Asia and grow mainly in open, moist locations in a temperate climate. Natural occurrences can be found in swamps and moors, in sparse forests and along river banks. Probably the oldest cultivar of the tall whistle grass is 'Karl Foerster', which was named after the well-known German plant breeder. The variety is still one of the most popular varieties today.

Appearance and stature

The pipe grass forms hemispherical, low and dense clumps with narrow leaves. These are green during the growing season, but turn a bright golden yellow in autumn. In early summer, the blue-violet flowers appear, the stems of which rise high above the foliage and often grow arched: While the giant pipe grass usually grows up to 50 centimeters high, it reaches heights of up to 250 during the flowering period Centimeter. The small pipegrass is significantly lower with an average of 20 centimeters / 80 to 100 centimeters outside and during the flowering period.

use

Whether planted in groups or individually: the pipe grass sets attractive accents, especially between bushes and wild perennials. While you can use the small pipe grass as a background or accompanying plant, the high variety cuts a good figure, especially as a solitary plant. Both species are found in the heather or rock garden, in bodies of water (e.g. B. along a stream or at the garden pond) as well as in the bog bed perfectly. Attractive companions are, for example, autumn flowering perennials such as autumn asters, autumn anemones, silver candles or monkshood.

Leaves, flowers and flowering period

The stiffly upright to slightly overhanging, narrow leaves of the pipe grass are colored grass green in summer and take on a pretty golden yellow color in autumn. Between July and September, depending on the variety, the yellowish-brown, bronze-colored or purple inflorescences appear, which sit on heavily branched, graceful panicles. In earlier times, people liked to use them to clean pipes - which explains the name of the species. After the flowering period, the inflorescences and the leaves turn golden yellow and form husks.

Toxicity

The pipe grass is non-toxic, but the stalks are rather straw-like and quite stable - if you are not careful, you can cut yourself quickly on it.

Which location is suitable?

The pipe grass feels most comfortable in a sunny to light partially shaded location.

floor

The ideal soil has a neutral to acidic pH value, is moist but permeable - even if that is Pipe grass prefers a moist subsoil, as it reacts very much to waterlogging, like so many plants sensitive. The resistant and robust plant survives occasional dry periods without any problems - it is not without reason that it can be found in nature, especially in problematic locations. The pipe grass feels most comfortable in a sandy-loamy and nutrient-rich substrate.

Plant pipe grass properly

The best time to plant the pipe grass is spring. When planting, it is essential to keep the recommended planting distance, as the clumps can be quite extensive:

• Small pipe grass: about 30 centimeters between the plants
• Tall pipe grass: a maximum of five to six plants per square meter, planting distance of 70 centimeters

Under no circumstances should you take plants from natural locations to put them in your garden. It is a protected species. Always buy plants from specialist retailers or grow them from seeds - you can collect and use them in nature.

Bucket culture

The small pipe grass in particular are also suitable as a decorative potted plant for balconies and patios. Choose a planter that is as deep as possible, as the roots grow in depth rather than width. Commercially available flower or unitary soil based on compost, which you can use with garden compost, sand and Horn shavings(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) mix. Make sure that there is good drainage in the pot in order to avoid waterlogging - this is why a sufficiently large drainage hole at the bottom of the pot is essential.

Pour pipe grass

Although the easy-care pipe grass survives occasional dry phases very well, it should not be kept too dry for a long time. It is best to always keep the root ball slightly moist and to let it dry off a little between the individual waterings. Excess irrigation water must be removed from the saucer or planter as soon as possible. Regular watering is particularly important in heat and persistent drought in order to prevent the soil from drying out.

Fertilize pipe grass properly

In principle, fertilization is hardly necessary. When you have planted pipe grass, provide it with a shovel of compost and a handful in the spring Horn shavings.(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) During the summer months, potted specimens are given a low-dose green plant fertilizer every two weeks, which you administer together with the irrigation water. In winter, however, there is no fertilization.

Cut pipe grass correctly

In order to promote the healthy growth of the pipe grass, you should prune it vigorously early in spring every year. Seed heads and last year's stalks can be pruned close to the ground, the plant will then sprout again vigorously. Incidentally, the capped inflorescences and seed heads can be easily dried and used for dry spots.

Propagate pipe grass

If the pipegrass feels comfortable, it usually sows or sows itself at its location. spreads through subterranean runners. For controlled propagation, however, it is advisable to spread the seeds or to divide plants that are too large - this also has the advantage that the clumps can be rejuvenated. Pipe grass tends to shed with age.

share

If the pipe grass no longer appears to be as well-growing as it used to be, rejuvenation by dividing it can help. The best time for this measure is spring, so that the resulting partial plants can then grow vigorously. The best way to do this is as follows:

• Take a sharp and clean one spade.
• Cut off as many parts of the clump as desired.
• Remove dry stalks and seed heads.
• Cut back the pipe grass vigorously.
• Plant it back in a new location.
• Add ripe compost and horn shavings as a starter.
• Pour the pieces vigorously.

Keep the rejuvenated clumps slightly moist for the next few weeks so that they grow more easily and form new roots more quickly.

sowing

The collected seeds can be put at home in a shallow growing container with a low nutrient content Growing substrate(€ 12.99 at Amazon *) to be sown. Do not cover them with soil, as the pipe grass is one of the light germs. Instead, stretch a transparent film or similar. ä. over the planter and keep the substrate slightly moist with the spray bottle. A temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius is optimal for germination, and the location of the container should be bright, but not directly sunny. From a height of about ten centimeters you can move the seedlings, for example in a larger pot or in a bed. It takes about two to three years for the new plants to develop into fully grown clumps.

Overwinter

Since it is a native species, special measures for wintering are not necessary. The pipe grass is hardy.

Species and varieties

Two types of pipe grass - the tall pipe grass resp. Pipe pipe grass as well as the small or blue pipe grass - are suitable for cultivation in the garden and in pots. Both species are characterized by a large variety of varieties, which provides variety in the bog bed or heather garden.

Blue pipegrass (bot. Molinia caerulea)

The native, clump-forming species is also known as small or common pipe grass. Popular names are also Besenried or Bentgras. There are many pretty cultivars that are wonderfully suitable for planting in the home garden - the varieties are particularly suitable as background or frame planting. The height indicated for the height of growth corresponds to that during the flowering period. Outside of this, the clumps are much lower.

• 'Continuous ray': Growth height up to 70 centimeters, growth width up to 60 centimeters, bushy, dense growth, golden yellow autumn color
• 'Edith Dudszus': spherical growth, height up to 70 centimeters, beautiful autumn color
• 'Heidebraut': up to 100 centimeters in height, beautiful golden yellow autumn color
• 'Moor witch': up to 60 centimeters in height, stiffly upright growth, very dark stalks
• 'Variegata': also striped pipe grass, green and yellow leaves striped lengthways, height of up to 60 centimeters, perfect for heather gardens

Pipe whistle grass (bot. Molinia arundinacea)

This species, also known as giant or tall pipe grass, is significantly larger than the smaller one Pipe grass: Some varieties reach a height of up to 200 centimeters, rarely even up to 250 Centimeters. Therefore, the species is particularly suitable as a specimen plant. These cultivars are particularly popular:

• 'Karl Foerster': old variety with strikingly wide leaves, height of up to 200 centimeters, strong golden yellow autumn color
• 'Skyracer': upright growth, growth height up to 220 centimeters, growth width up to 120 centimeters, beautiful golden yellow autumn color
• 'Transparent': spreading growth, growth height up to 200 centimeters, delicate inflorescences, golden yellow autumn color
• 'Greyhound': stiff, upright, strong growth, height up to 250 centimeters, beautiful golden yellow autumn color