Photo: 松岡明芳, CC BY 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Ornamental grass
Chinese silver grass: when and how to prune
Miscanthus sinensis
Chinese silver grass is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | August–October |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Chinese silver grass: when to prune it?
In March, before new growth begins. Leave the plumes and dry leaves standing all winter.
What else to prune in those months? March
Chinese silver grass: how to prune it?
- Tie the clump together with string first; then you can cut it off in one go.
- Cut or saw the stems back to about 10 cm above the ground.
- Use hedge shears or a pruning saw and wear gloves.
- Do not wait too long: cut before the new shoots appear, or you will cut them too.
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.
Caution: Do not cut back in autumn: the old leaves protect the heart of the plant from wet and frost.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Chinese silver grass · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.