How to Grow Feather Reed Grass
Feather Reed grass is an early blooming ornamental grass with wispy, purplish-bronze flowers that fade to a tan. upright When frost turns its leaves and flowers to a straw color, this grass adds warmth to the winter landscape. Here's how to add this low maintenance perennial to your garden. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Prepare your planting site by removing any existing plant material and debris. Make sure to plant in full sun and the soil drains well. Feather Reed grass will tolerate clay, but will not do well in soggy soil.
-
2
Dig your planting hole about 18-inches deep and 3 times the width of the plant container.
-
-
3
Fill the planting hole with water and allow soil to absorb. "Watering in" ensures that delicate roots receive moisture immediately and helps prevent shock.
-
4
Remove the grass from container and place in the planting hole making sure that the root ball is level with the ground. Add or remove soil as necessary.
-
5
Backfill the planting hole with the original soil and water again.
-
6
Spread a layer of mulch or other organic material 2 to 3 inches thick over the planting site.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
After removing Feather Reed grass from the container you may see a thick concentration of roots indicating it is slightly root bound. Use a sharp knife to cut an "X" across the bottom and gently spread the roots out in the planting hole.
This plant is an early blooming ornamental grass starting in June and lasting all summer. Look for a variety of reed grass called 'Stricta' or 'Karl Foerster' which blooms especially early.
Like most ornamental grasses, these may be planted any time during the growing season, but does best when planted in the early spring. A gardener's rule of thumb is to begin planting before the trees start leafing out.
Feather Reed grass grows well in Zones 5 and 6. But, always check the plant tag and the U. S. Hardiness Zone map to make sure your plant is suitable for your area.
Cut this ornamental grass back in late winter. It starts growing earlier than other grasses and should be cut back to about 8 inches high before the new growth appears.
Watch your grass during droughts for signs of when to water. Feather Reed grass will grow taller with more moisture.
