This is how the perfect pruning succeeds

When will it be cut back?

Once a year the ornamental grass has to be shortened so that it sprouts strong and healthy again. However, this should not be done in autumn, but in early spring, before the New shoot.

Why are grasses only cut in spring?

If you leave the stalks on the plant during the cold season, they serve as natural winter protection.

If you prune in autumn, there is also a risk that the short stumps will rot. This can damage Pennisetum so much that it dies.

The dense, long ornamental grasses provide shelter for numerous animals during the winter months and are therefore also ecologically valuable.

How is it cut?

Do not cut back so deep that the juicy green, freshly budding inner core is visible and exposed. Proceed as follows when pruning:

• The dead stalks can often be removed simply by pulling hard.
• If that is not possible, shorten it to about ten centimeters.
• Cut out any dead shoots.
• Be careful not to cut off too much. Dried leaf remnants, which serve to protect the new shoot, often roll around the new leaf shoot.
• Never cut into the fresh green, because then the tip of the grass dries up, which greatly affects the appearance of the ornamental grass.
• Since pennisetum can be very sharp-edged, wear gloves when doing this work.
• Always use sharp and well-cleaned cutting tools. This prevents pathogens from entering the plant.

Cut back during the year

Sometimes stalks dry up and turn an unsightly brown. You can cut these out during the entire gardening season.

Properly overwinter the grass that has not been cut back

Pennisetum is quite hardy and in our part of the world can also remain outdoors in the cold months. If experience has shown that the winters in your region are rather wet, you should tie the long shafts together in a forelock.

• Leaves,
• Brushwood,
• Winter protection fleece

ensure that the lamp cleaner grass is not damaged in severe frosts.