Are you eagerly waiting for your ornamental grass to turn green?
Are you worried that it may have died during the winter?
Fear not! Ornamental grasses are hardy plants that require minimal maintenance.
However, if you’re new to planting them, you may have some questions about when they will start to grow again.
In this article, we’ll answer some common questions about ornamental grasses and provide tips on how to care for them.
So sit back, relax, and let’s get ready to welcome those beautiful green blades back into our gardens!
When Does Ornamental Grass Turn Green
The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, it’s important to understand that ornamental grasses grow in cycles.
Each year, new shoots develop into a new set of stalks, while the old stalks should be removed. This means that last year’s stalks will not turn green again.
So, when can you expect to see green growth? Usually, small new shoots will appear on your ornamental grasses sometime between early May and early June.
However, the timing may vary depending on the weather and the specific type of grass you have planted. Some grasses are cool-season growers and may start growing earlier in the spring, while others are warm-season growers and may not start growing until later in the summer.
In general, you can expect your ornamental grass to reach its full height in late July or August.
Understanding The Growth Cycle Of Ornamental Grasses
To truly understand when ornamental grasses turn green, it’s important to understand their growth cycle. Ornamental grasses grow in cycles, with new shoots developing into a new set of stalks each year. This means that last year’s stalks will not turn green again, and should be removed.
Most ornamental grasses are perennials, living for two or more years. Annual grasses, on the other hand, live for only one growing season because of their natural growth habit or they are not hardy in certain climates.
Grasses have two main growth habits: clumping or spreading. Spreading grasses expand rapidly by aboveground or underground stems. Care must be taken in planting spreading grasses as they may overtake desirable plantings. Clumping or bunch grasses grow in a clump that gradually increases in diameter.
Most ornamental grasses planted in the South are classified as cool or warm season plants. Cool season grasses begin new growth in fall or winter and bloom in spring or early summer, while warm season growers grow rapidly during spring and summer, bloom in late summer or fall, and are dormant through the winter.
When it comes to maintaining your ornamental grasses, it’s important to remove the previous year’s stalks back to about 2 inches in height any time between the last week in March and the middle of April. This will give the new shoots space, light, and air and will promote earlier new growth.
Factors Affecting The Timing Of Green Growth
Several factors contribute to the timing of green growth for ornamental grasses.
The first factor is the type of grass you have planted. As mentioned earlier, cool-season grasses tend to start growing earlier in the spring, while warm-season grasses may not start growing until later in the summer. It’s important to know what type of grass you have planted so that you can anticipate when it will start to turn green.
The second factor is the weather conditions. Ornamental grasses need warmth and sunlight to grow. If the weather is too cold or too cloudy, the grass may not start growing as early as expected. On the other hand, if the weather is too hot or too dry, the grass may struggle to grow at all.
Soil conditions also play a role in the timing of green growth. Ornamental grasses require well-draining soil with plenty of nutrients. If the soil is too compacted or lacking in nutrients, the grass may not grow as quickly or as vigorously.
Another factor is the amount of water your grass receives. Ornamental grasses need regular watering to thrive, especially during hot, dry periods. If your grass is not getting enough water, it may take longer to turn green or may not grow as tall as it should.
Finally, pruning and maintenance practices can also affect the timing of green growth. As mentioned earlier, it’s important to prune back brown portions of your ornamental grass in late winter or early spring to make way for new growth. Additionally, regular fertilization and weed control can help ensure that your ornamental grass stays healthy and green throughout the growing season.
Signs Of Healthy Vs. Unhealthy Ornamental Grasses
When it comes to determining whether your ornamental grass is healthy or not, there are a few signs to look out for.
First and foremost, healthy ornamental grass should have a vibrant green color. If the grass appears yellow or brown, it may be a sign of stress or disease.
Another sign of a healthy ornamental grass is strong growth. The grass should be growing upright and not drooping or leaning to one side. Additionally, healthy grass should have a full and dense appearance, with no bare patches or thinning areas.
On the other hand, unhealthy ornamental grass may exhibit signs of disease or pests. This can include discoloration, spots or lesions on the leaves, or visible insects on the plant.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action quickly to prevent the issue from spreading and potentially killing the plant. This may involve removing affected areas of the plant, treating with pesticides or fungicides, or adjusting watering and fertilization practices.
Tips For Caring For Ornamental Grasses During The Growing Season
Once your ornamental grass has turned green and started to grow, there are a few things you can do to keep it healthy and looking its best throughout the growing season.
1. Watering: While established ornamental grasses don’t need much water, newly planted ones are hydrophilic and require frequent watering. Water your grass every other day until it becomes established, then water it twice a week. If your area experiences minimal rain, it’s a good idea to water your ornamental grass every three weeks.
2. Fertilizing: Most ornamental grasses don’t need much fertilizer. Some, like fine and hard fescues or purple fountain grasses, don’t need any at all. For most other grasses, fertilize them in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer that includes rotted manure, mushroom compost, and leaf mold.
3. Pruning: While ornamental grasses require little maintenance, cutting them back is important for their health and appearance. Cut back your grass in late winter or early spring before new shoots emerge. Cut them back to within a few inches of the ground to remove dead stalks and encourage new growth.
4. Dividing: Divide your ornamental grass every four or five years to keep it healthy and prevent overcrowding. The best time to do this is in the spring when the grass is still short from its post-winter haircut. Use a sharp spade or root saw to separate the living portion of the grass into smaller sections, aiming for sections that are a little bigger than a softball. Replant the sections, water well, and enjoy through the seasons.
5. Leave seed heads: Leaving up the seed heads may also attract hungry birds in winter and add interest to your landscape.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your ornamental grass stays healthy and beautiful throughout the growing season.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Growing Ornamental Grasses.
While ornamental grasses are generally easy to grow and maintain, there are a few common mistakes that can hinder their growth and health. Here are some mistakes to avoid when growing ornamental grasses:
1. Planting in the wrong location: Ornamental grasses prefer plenty of open space and full sun. Make sure to plant them in an area with good drainage and away from water features or swimming pools, as the fine litter they produce can clog pumps and equipment.
2. Overcrowding: Ornamental grasses need space to grow and thrive. Avoid planting them too close together or in an overly dense planting scheme. Give them room to breathe and show off their unique textures and colors.
3. Choosing the wrong species: Some ornamental grass species can be invasive and take over your garden. Do your research and choose clump-forming varieties like fountain grass or pennisetum instead of vigorous spreaders like ribbon grass.
4. Neglecting maintenance: While ornamental grasses don’t require a lot of upkeep, they do need some care to stay healthy. Make sure to remove dead stalks each year and cut back seedheads as needed. Also, keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and use appropriate insecticides and fungicides if necessary.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your ornamental grasses thrive and bring beauty to your garden year after year.
