Carex flagellifera

Photo: Daderot, CC0 · source

Pruning guide · Ornamental grass

Carex flagellifera: when and how to prune

Carex flagellifera is best pruned in March–April.

Key facts
Pruning monthsMarch–April
FloweringJune–July
Native to BelgiumNo, planted

Carex flagellifera: when to prune it?

In March–April: comb rather than prune.

What else to prune in those months? March · April

Carex flagellifera: how to prune it?

  1. Comb the dead, brown strands out of the clump with gloved fingers or a small rake.
  2. If necessary, trim damaged or bare leaf tips lightly.
  3. Cut off spent flower spikes if they bother you, but it is not necessary.
  4. Divide a bare clump in spring.

How much to cut, and how often?

  • One pruning period a year: March–April.

What does it mean for wildlife?

  • If you only cut back in March–April, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.

Caution: Do not cut the clump short: the foliage regrows slowly and the plant can look bare for a long time.

Nearby: related pruning guides

Plant profile: Carex flagellifera · Pruning calendar and basic rules

This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.

Laden…