Ornamental grasses come in so many cool shapes and sizes! Most of us use them to add some texture and visual interest to the backyard, especially during those “off-seasons” when other flowers have finished blooming. If you’ve fallen in love with a particular variety in your garden, you’ll probably want more of it. Luckily, the easiest way to get more plants for free is through division.
Timing is Everything
To give your new grass “babies” the best chance at life, you’ll want to divide them in early spring. While these plants can usually handle a few late-season frosty nights, they really need a full growing season to establish a strong root system before the next big freeze hits.
Cut Back Before You Divide
Just like dividing, the best time to prune your grasses is in February or March. You might be tempted to grab the shears in the fall, but resist the urge! Leaving those withered stalks and leaves intact through the winter actually protects the crown from getting too much moisture and rotting. No matter which tools you prefer, always wait until the spring thaw to start your winter prep and maintenance.
How to Get the Job Done
Once you’ve cut the grass back, you should have about 4 to 8 inches of stubble left. This makes it way easier to grab onto the plant while you’re digging and dividing. Here’s your step-by-step game plan:
- Dig up the entire root ball.
- Try your best to keep the root system intact as you lift it.
- Shake off any excess dirt so you can see what you’re working with.
- Trim away any old, dried-out, or dead roots.
- Use a sharp spade to slice the root ball into sections (for smaller grasses, you can usually just pull them apart by hand).
When you’re ready to move them to their new home, mix a little compost into the planting hole to give them a nutrient boost. Even though ornamental grasses generally hate “wet feet” (standing water), you’ll want to give them a good, deep soak right after planting to encourage those new roots to take hold.
