Photo: Rasbak, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Ornamental grass
Tufted hair grass: when and how to prune
Deschampsia cespitosa
Tufted hair grass is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for birds |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Tufted hair grass: when to prune it?
In March, before the new leaves really start growing. Not in autumn: the plumes still look good in winter and feed the birds.
What else to prune in those months? March
Tufted hair grass: how to prune it?
- Cut the old flower stems off short, just above the clump.
- Comb out the dead leaves with your fingers or a small rake. Wear gloves, as the leaves are rough.
- If the clump looks very untidy you can cut it back to 10–15 cm, but spare the green leaves as much as possible.
- Put the clippings on the compost heap.
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: If you do not want seedlings, cut off the plumes before the seed is ripe. You will then have less winter interest and less food for birds.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Tufted hair grass · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.