Although some of the ornamental grasses were cut back in the fall, most of the big fountain type grasses (like this purple fountain grass) start showing signs of new growth around this time of year which is the best indicator for our area that it is time to cut them back. I know it is necessary, but they look so sparse and sad for a couple months that I try to put it off as long as possible, but it is better to just bite the bullet and cut them back now so all the plant's energy can go into the new growth.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Cutback Time
Although some of the ornamental grasses were cut back in the fall, most of the big fountain type grasses (like this purple fountain grass) start showing signs of new growth around this time of year which is the best indicator for our area that it is time to cut them back. I know it is necessary, but they look so sparse and sad for a couple months that I try to put it off as long as possible, but it is better to just bite the bullet and cut them back now so all the plant's energy can go into the new growth.
How do you cut these back? I planted three of them a few years ago, and they look great. But, I see others in our neighborhood that are so big they look awful. And, others that have been "chopped" in such a way they also look terrible. In advance of an answer, thanks!
ReplyDeleteAustin's cut-back time is a little later than yours, around Valentine's Day. I look forward to it because it means the end of freezing weather is nearly over and new growth will begin soon.
ReplyDeletei just found your blog. beautiful! i live in LB, too! i just posted on hortense miller's garden! would love to pick your gardening brain for interesting local gardens to profile!
ReplyDeletesbwrites - as soon as you see new growth emerging at the base is the time to cut them back, almost to the ground. They will look a bit sparse for a few weeks but soon the new growth will come up and they will be rejuvenated. If you don't cut them back the older foliage will start turning brown and the whole plant will look scraggly and start to flop and look messy. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHi Laguna Dirt! Great post on the Hortense Miller Garden! I just gave a tour there on Friday! My suggestion is to join the LB Garden Club and go on their member's tours. A great way to see local gardens that aren't always open to the public! The annual garden tour is coming up in May too. They always showcase great local gardens!
ReplyDeleteIs the purple as beautiful in real life as it is in the photo?
ReplyDeleteLucy
We use grasses to set off other plants in the garden. Your purple fountain reminded me a little of our Carex Buchanii. My wife loves this one, it took some time for it to grow on me, to be quite honest the brown leaves with no hint of colour looks exactly the same in Summer as it does in Winter.
ReplyDeleteLucy,
ReplyDeleteYes the purple color is beautiful and very unique in such an easy-care plant!
Shelia,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info. I appreciate it. I've got Shingles (of all things), and am just rejoining the living. But, now that I'm alive again, I'll soon be pruning my grasses!
Susan