Caring for and dividing ornamental grasses

Another helpful tip from Mike McGroarty

If you haven't done so already, now is the time to cut back your ornamental grasses. Left unpruned they look straggly and the old growth actually shades the new growth as it emerges. In most cool climates they should be cut back to 6 to 8 inches since the tops of the grasses die back for the winter.

Not only can clumping ornamental grasses be divided to produce more plants, they often should be divided to keep the plants healthy. Left undivided the center of the plants will eventually die out, making for an unsightly plant.

However, dividing a clump of established ornamental grass is no easy task. You must first dig out the entire clump then by any means possible divide the clump into several clumps.

Unlike other perennial plants that usually divide quite easily, you'll have your work cut out dividing a clump of well established ornamental grass. I've used a nursery spade, a hammer and a chisel. Usually you have to work the outside edges of the clumps and see if you can get pieces at least 3" in diameter loose. Then keep working your way around the clump.

This must be done before the grass breaks dormancy in the spring. Although a bit of a challenge, it's worth it when you end up with many new grass plants.

Thanks, Mike!