Care of Decorative Grasses

How to Care for Decorative Grasses

• 1

  Water decorative grasses thoroughly during the first year in the ground so they can establish a substantial root system. Even warm-season decorative grasses that are drought resistant and grow best during the summer heat, such as buffalo grass, need consistent watering in their first year. In particularly dry or desert-like climates, decorative grasses may need watering several times a day. Water should be targeted by hand or by drip system to the stems so that they reach the roots underground. Once established, decorative grasses will need little supplemental water.

• 2

  Apply a layer of 2 to 3 inches of mulch to contain decorative grasses in their first year and protect them from weeds while they establish themselves. Mulch can also protect them over the winter months. No trimming is necessary. Leaving the dried foliage and flowers all winter helps to prevent the plant's crown from drying out. The remaining foliage also provides a wildlife habitat.

• 3

  Trim decorative grasses in spring to promote growth. Leave only a few inches on the ground. If the crowns of decorative grasses have dried over the winter, divide them in half. Warm-season grasses should be divided at the start of spring. Dividing cool-season grasses should take place earlier, during winter, since they can bloom in early spring. Transplant the divided halves, making sure the grasses will still receive three to five hours of direct sun each day.

• 4

  Add 10-10-10 fertilizer, has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. For 100 square feet of garden area, add 0.5 lb. to 1 lb. of fertilizer. Per plant, the ratio approximately equals 0.25 cup. Water the fertilized decorative grasses thoroughly.

• 5

  Shear cool-season grasses again in midsummer after their foliage and flowers dry. Some decorative grasses may need to be trimmed several times in the same season as different parts dry. Others can be "combed," or rubbed with a gloved hand to remove dead flowers and foliage.