Ornamental grasses

[Kittyluvr400]

I have 2 ornamental grasses that grow too tall and the lean over. It is too hard for me to cut into the root and plant some more elsewhere. Would it be ok, if once they start to grow too tall, I cut them down a bit? I staked them last year, but they still leaned a bit. I don’t care about losing their plumes, if I cut/trim them.

Thanks

 

[DirtMechanic]

I would cut them every year or 2 just for control reasons.

 

[Kittyluvr400]

They are cut down at the end of the season, leaving one foot. It’s what to do when they get too tall by August. Can I just trim 3 feet off the top?

Thank you

 

[DirtMechanic]

I do not see why not, though I would not take more than 1\3 per cutting. Also it may attempt a widening as a result of the trim

 

[Esther Knapicius]

Look up the specimen and see what it looks like on line, maybe that type is suppose to lean. Or the other thought is, if there is not enough sun for it, it will lean. But yes, in late winter, when its all dry I do cut mine down to the quick. I really wait until about March, as I think the dried grass might be good for some birds to make their nests from.

 

[Kittyluvr400]

Thank you. I would like to keep it about 6 ft. And they do get wider every year as well. They were put there to hide the neighbors ancient A/C compressor. It worked. Last year I didn’t water it all season, no fertilizer...just blew it off, but it just kept growing.

=5

 

[Esther Knapicius]

looks like that is their normal appearance. I like them.

 

[Kittyluvr400]

They are 7 ft in that pic. Once the plumes shoot up in mid August, they get a bit top heavy and lean. Then I have to stake them, or trim them. Would like to look into trimming. Curious.

 

[Kittyluvr400]

This zebra grass was ordered online last spring. It came to me 3” tall. Had to pot it for a month before it could go in the garden. By end of summer, over 7 ft tall + plumes. What’s it going to look like this year!? LOL

 

[treeguy]

Go ahead a chop them down when they are ~one month old. That should do two things: give them less time to grow out of bounds, and steal the vitality that they have to grow tall at all. If that doesn't work, then next year do it at ~six weeks, ad infinitum until you find a formula that suits you. As stated above, they may attempt to respond by growing sideways, and you will have blunt tips which may or may not bother you. Over time they will become less and less vigorous, as in maybe a smaller and smaller clump. You can also cut off their water, just allow rain.

 

[Tetters]

@Kittyluvr400 Ornamental grasses cannot really be ''tamed'' If you go for the Miscanthus varieties they will grow to about 7 or 8 feet, and will expand in girth each year. As @Esther Knapicius mentioned these varieties will naturally dry during the winter months which is great for the small birds who love to feed on the seed heads - these dried plumes can also look quite lovely with a frost on them - like statues almost. As soon as you see new shoots appear at the base, you need to cut those dried stems down to make way for the new seasons growth.
Treating these statuesque varieties badly will serve no purpose whatsoever. If you want smaller grasses there are loads of them to choose from....... have a look at the carex family for starters - there is a wide choice

This one is Carex blue zinger .... just for starters

 

[Kittyluvr400]

I have several smaller grasses, including carex. I prefer to have them cut down in the fall. I didn’t water those Miscanthus at all last summer. But we did have a rainy summer. Thank you all for your help. Anymore input, please add.

This garden is 90ft long X 5 ft wide. All mixes of shades of green and textures. The color (annuals) are in pots. Been three yrs and I still have questions.

 

[Tetters]

Your grasses are lovely Kitty. I am especially envious of the Hakonechloa. I'm hooked on them and keep adding different ones every year. I am especially fond of the larger Miscanthus - my present favourite has to be ''Silberfeder''

 

[Esther Knapicius]

Very pretty, Kitty, nice lay out.

 

[Kittyluvr400]

Thank you! Esther!