Photo: Svdmolen, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Grass-like plant
Marram grass: when and how to prune
Ammophila arenaria
Marram grass is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Marram grass: when to prune it?
In March, before new growth starts, and only if you want to remove dead leaves.
What else to prune in those months? March
Marram grass: how to prune it?
- Comb the dead, grey leaves out of the tussock with gloved hands or a rake.
- Cut off old flower stems just above the foliage.
- Never cut marram short: the tussock loses vigour and the sand is left bare.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Wear sturdy gloves: the leaf tips are sharp and prickly.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Marram grass · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.