Giant feather grass (Celtica gigantea)

Photo: Xemenendura, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source

Pruning guide · Ornamental grass

Giant feather grass: when and how to prune

Celtica gigantea

Giant feather grass is best pruned in March–April.

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

Giant feather grass: when to prune it?

Do not cut back: in March–April just pull the dead leaves out of the tussock and cut off the old flower stems.

What else to prune in those months? March · April

Giant feather grass: how to prune it?

  1. In March–April, pull the dead grey leaves out of the tussock, wearing gloves; they come away easily.
  2. Cut old flower stems off low down by the tussock when they no longer look good.
  3. A fine-toothed rake helps to comb out a large tussock.

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 tussock short like other grasses: it weakens the plant and can make the centre die.

Nearby: related pruning guides

Plant profile: Giant feather grass · Pruning calendar and basic rules

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

Laden…