Photo: Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Ornamental grass
Reed canary grass: when and how to prune
Phalaris arundinacea
Reed canary grass is best pruned in March and July.
| Pruning months | March and July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–July |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Reed canary grass: when to prune it?
In March before growth starts, and if you like in July after flowering.
Reed canary grass: how to prune it?
- In March, cut all old stems and leaves back to about 10 cm above the ground.
- In July, after flowering, you can cut back again to 15–20 cm: fresh foliage grows quickly.
- On ‘Picta’, remove plain green shoots completely at the base.
- The cuttings can go on the compost heap, but without pieces of rhizome.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and July. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Never dump prunings or dug-out runners in the countryside, along a stream or in a ditch: every piece of rhizome can grow again.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Reed canary grass · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.