When Zebra Grass finds a spot it loves, it doesn’t just reach for the sky—it spreads out fast thanks to its vigorous root system. If your ornamental grass is starting to take over the yard, don’t worry! Dividing a massive clump is actually a great way to manage its size and get free plants to use elsewhere in your landscape. Here’s how to tackle the job like a pro.
When is the Best Time to Divide Zebra Grass?
First things first: safety! Zebra grass blades can be surprisingly sharp, so definitely grab a sturdy pair of gardening gloves before you get started to avoid any “paper cuts.” Most experienced gardeners divide their grasses quite often. If your plant is looking a bit too crowded or its tall stalks are overwhelming the space, it’s time to step in. Generally, once a plant is about three years old, you can get into a routine of dividing it once a year.
The best time to divide is:
- In the spring
- On a dry day
- Right after your annual pruning
Spring is the sweet spot because dividing (or transplanting) is always a little stressful for the root system. You definitely don’t want those exposed roots dealing with a winter freeze! By waiting until the ground warms up but before the new growth really takes off, you give the plant its best shot. Plus, it’s much easier to work with the plant after you’ve done your early spring cut-back—wrestling with shorter stalks is way less of a headache than dealing with full-grown plumes.
Caring for Your Zebra Grass After the Split
Once you’ve divided the clump, a little TLC goes a long way in helping the new sections settle in. That spring pruning you did actually helps a lot, as it encourages the grass to focus its energy on fresh, new growth.
You’ll also want to give it a nutrient boost with the right fertilizer. A quick tip: skip the synthetic, high-nitrogen stuff. Chemical fertilizers can make the grass grow *too* fast, resulting in weak, floppy stalks that just fall over. Instead, stick to the natural stuff like compost, humus, or organic plant tea. It promotes steady, healthy growth so your Zebra Grass stays strong and beautiful all season long.
