Most gardeners hear the word “horsetail” and immediately think of a stubborn weed. But did you know that certain varieties actually make stunning ornamental plants? If you’re growing these architectural beauties, a little regular pruning is the secret to keeping them looking sharp.
Giant Horsetail by the Pond
Giant Horsetail (often called Scouring Rush) is a favorite for pond-side planting. Since it’s evergreen, it provides a fantastic pop of color during those dreary winter months. To keep it healthy, you’ll want to give it an annual trim—but timing is everything! Wait until early spring to prune; never cut it back in the fall.
Here’s the best way to handle the pruning:
- Gather several stems together into a bundle.
- Use a sharp blade to make a clean, decisive cut near the base.
- Ideally, try to cut right at the node.
- Keep a sharpener handy and touch up your blade frequently.
- Thin out the plant regularly to make breathing room for new growth.
A quick pro-tip: Horsetail contains high amounts of silica, which acts like sandpaper on your tools. It will dull your blades fast! Because of this, I recommend using a sharp knife rather than your good garden shears.
Keeping Growth Under Control
If there’s one thing horsetail is famous for, it’s spreading like wildfire. If you’re planting it in the ground, a root barrier is a non-negotiable must-have. Install it at least 24 inches (60 cm) deep. Even then, this plant is a survivor—its rhizomes can dive deep, sometimes bypassing barriers. If you notice it starting to take over, stay on top of it by cutting any new runners right down to the ground.
Pruning Potted Horsetail
If you want the look without the stress, growing Giant Horsetail in containers is the way to go. It completely eliminates the risk of it escaping via underground rhizomes. Just make sure the pot is big enough—a depth of about 30 inches (80 cm) is usually the sweet spot. Just like the pond-side plants, give your potted horsetail a good trim in the spring.
Dealing with Field Horsetail in the Garden
Trying to get rid of common Field Horsetail can feel like a full-time job because it spreads so efficiently. However, consistently cutting back new shoots can help weaken the plant over time. The most important thing is to snip off the spore-bearing cones as soon as they appear in spring. Since horsetail reproduces via wind-blown spores, cutting these heads off early is your best defense against it spreading to every corner of your yard.
