Learning how to divide ornamental grass is simple. Large clumps are best taken from the sides of a growing mound with a square tipped spade or shovel. You may dig the entire plant, split in half, and replant.

Can you split Carex plants?

Grasses from cool climates (such as Carex, Calamagrostis, Chasmanthium, Deschampsia, Festuca, Hakonechloa, Helictotrichon, Molinia and Stipa) require frequent division, perhaps every three years, to prevent root congestion and loss of vigour.

How do you propagate Carex?

Dig a hole that is the same depth and twice the width of your plant, spreading the roots out before settling into place. Space companion plants 30cm-1m (12-40”) apart to allow room for plants to spread as they mature. After planting, water thoroughly and deeply.

Can I split ornamental grasses?

All ornamental grasses should be divided when they are actively growing but not while they are flowering. If the plants are dormant when they are transplanted they won't establish a good root system.

How do you divide Carex Evergold?

Divide cool season grasses in spring or early fall. Cool season grasses are actively growing in spring and fall. These grasses can be transplanted at either time of the year but early spring is probably the best time to divide.

How to split and divide plants - Useful tips

37 related questions found

When can I transplant Carex?

Late winter or early spring is the ideal time for dividing ornamental grasses. As soon as the soil is warm enough to work, they can be safely split. To ensure success, dig and divide plants while they are dormant or before they go beyond their first stages of spring growth.

Can I split Carex Evergold?

The purple splotches on the 'Samobor's leaves make a lovely contrast with it. Grasses are best split in Spring, That is when they make new root growth. They may just sulk if done now as they will not put out new roots until next year.

Do you cut back Carex grass?

These ornamental grasses are Evergreen: Comb or rake off any old, tired or dead leaves and flowers in spring. If needed evergreens can be cut back (by up to half) at almost any time from April to July. Do not cut back in autumn or winter.

What happens if you don't Cut back ornamental grasses?

What Happens If You Don't Cut Back the Ornamental Grasses? As mentioned above, you will find that the green is starting to grow through the brown. One problem that will create is that the brown will start creating seeds. Once grass has created seeds, there is a very good chance that the grass will die out.

How do you divide Festuca glauca?

When you have the plant, use a knife or a similar tool do cut root sections, it will be easier than separate them with your fingers. Cut the divisions to get little plants having 4 to 5 stems. Do it gently otherwise you may separate the stems from the roots.

How fast does Carex grow?

This is a cool season evergreen sedge that is clump forming but spreads 3-6 inches a year by underground rhizomes. It produces 16-inch-long, eighth-inch-wide deep green leaves that arch over as they grow. Like all sedges, the only stems are below ground except when the flower spike appears.

How do you divide Elijah Blue fescue?

Dig up a clump of blue fescue, making sure to dig wide enough to include the entire root ball of the plant. Divide the plant into smaller clumps by cutting the root sections apart with a sharp knife. Cut the division so there are at least two to three grass stems with each section.

How do you split Hakone grass?

Divide in spring when the soil is starting to warm up. Lift the clump and cut it into smaller pieces with a sturdy knife. If the clump is too big, split the grass in half with a spade while in the ground and then lift the two parts. Replant the divided parts and water thoroughly.

When should you transplant ornamental grasses?

When to Divide Ornamental Grasses

Usually division every two to three years is appropriate. Dividing ornamental grasses is best done in late winter or early spring before growth starts. Divide even a small plant if you want to grow more. As long as roots are present, you can expect a nice clump by autumn.

How do you keep ornamental grasses from getting too big?

Prune the Roots

Dig out sections of roots to root prune ornamental grasses. Jab the point of the shovel around the perimeter of the crown of the grass and remove as much as you want to keep the grass in check. Regular pruning will keep ornamental grasses from taking up too much space, but only for three to five years.

How do you maintain Carex grass?

Carex Plant Care

Sedge prefers a moist, well-drained soil with part shade. Very easy to maintain, Carex requires little if any feeding and in early spring, cut back by 1/3 or simply tease out dead blades to spruce up appearance. Division is best done in the spring.

How do you take care of Carex grass?

Most carex prefer reliably moist soil in sun or light shade. A few like wet soil, with others preferring acid soil. Bronze-leaved varieties produce their best leaf colour when grown in sun.

Can you split maiden grass?

When to Divide Maiden Grass

Splitting ornamental grass plants should happen every 3 to 4 years. ... This is a monster of a plant to divide but it is necessary for best plant health. The best time to divide maiden grass is when it is dormant. Cut back the foliage to 5 inches (12.7 cm.)

How long does it take ornamental grass to grow?

Unlike evergreen trees and shrubs, ornamental grasses grow very quickly, usually reaching their mature size in two seasons. Their fast growth rate makes them ideal for privacy hedges because new plants can rapidly fill in any gaps.