Ornamental Porcupine Grass Care Growing Porcupine Grass

Try growing porcupine grass as an accent or even a border, for a low maintenance and top performing plant. The plant is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 9 and thrives in full sun where the soil is moderately moist. This grass does best in full sun but can also perform well in partial shade.

1. How do you take care of porcupine grass?
2. What is the difference between zebra grass and porcupine grass?
3. How do you rejuvenate ornamental grass?
4. What does porcupine grass look like?
5. Is Miscanthus deer resistant?
6. Should I cut back zebra grass?
7. Should zebra grass be cut back in the fall?
8. When should I cut back my maiden grass?
9. What happens if you don't Cut back ornamental grasses?
10. How do you keep ornamental grasses from getting too big?
11. Why do ornamental grasses die in the center?
12. Will my ornamental grass grow back?
13. Do ornamental grasses die in winter?
14. What is the best tool for cutting ornamental grasses?
15. Is Miscanthus grass a perennial?
16. Will deer eat ornamental grass?
17. Is Lemon Grass deer resistant?

How do you take care of porcupine grass?

Easily grown in average, evenly moist, well-drained, loamy soils. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system; once established, tolerates moderate dry spells. Cut foliage clumps back to 3 inches above the ground and apply fertilizer in late winter to early spring.

What is the difference between zebra grass and porcupine grass?

Zebra grass is similar to porcupine grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus'), another popular tall ornamental grass. The two look very much alike because they both sport horizontal stripes. But zebra grass has more of an arching habit, whereas the porcupine is more upright.

How do you rejuvenate ornamental grass?

Fertilize the grass after dividing or cutting back in spring. Apply 1/4 cup of a 10-10-10 fertilizer per plant. Sprinkle the fertilizer in a ring around the grass, at least six inches out from the base of the grass clump. Water thoroughly after fertilizing so the nutrients leech into the root zone.

What does porcupine grass look like?

It is an ornamental upright grass with golden banding on the blades as if it was always in a dappled pool of light. This unique foliage bears horizontal golden bands, which some say resemble porcupine quills.

Is Miscanthus deer resistant?

Miscanthus, Hakonechloa, Panicum, Pennisetum, Schizachyrium and Carex are reported to be especially deer resistant, though many other types grasses are rarely damaged by deer browsing, too.

Should I cut back zebra grass?

Like most deciduous ornamental grasses, zebra grass requires annual pruning for the sake of its health. A good shearing in early spring will rejuvenate this ornamental and ensure tall, elegant fountains of eye-catching striped foliage throughout the entire season.

Should zebra grass be cut back in the fall?

Cut back the inflorescences in either fall or spring. If you like the look of the dry feathery flowers, leave them until spring. If not, cut them back to within a few inches of the crown of the plant in fall. Remove any damaged foliage as it occurs.

When should I cut back my maiden grass?

Cut back ornamental grasses, in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, to within 6 inches of the ground using sharp shears. You can cut back earlier in winter if high winds cause the grass to flop over and look unattractive.

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

This is for emergencies only, though. They don't appreciate harsh pruning and this could weaken or even kill them if you repeat it annually. The majority of commonly grown ornamental grasses, however, are deciduous. Their foliage dies and turns brown in the fall, but often remains standing.

How do you keep ornamental grasses from getting too big?

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.

Why do ornamental grasses die in the center?

The centers of ornamental grasses often die as the plants get older. When this occurs, it's a good time to dig and divide the grasses. When the grasses begin to grow in spring, dig up entire clumps, cut out and discard the dead center portions of each clump, cut the outer portions into sections and replant.

Will my ornamental grass grow back?

Cool season ornamental grass begins to produce its new growth quite early in the spring, soon after temperatures begin to stay above freezing. ... Although the dead foliage of either cool season or warm season grasses could be cut back in late fall, many gardeners enjoy the beauty of the foliage throughout winter.

Do ornamental grasses die in winter?

Most ornamental grasses develop tall seed heads late in the summer that naturally persist through the winter. When temperatures start to drop the plant will die back, leaving the dried foliage, stalks, and seed heads. ... Many people enjoy the colors and movement that these elements provide in winter.

What is the best tool for cutting ornamental grasses?

Some gardeners use a hedge trimmer or even a chainsaw on older and tougher grass clumps. Next, put on a long-sleeved shirt as the blades of grass can be quite sharp! Tightly tie twine, rope, or a bungee cord around the clump, about two feet up from ground level, and cut below the tie.

Is Miscanthus grass a perennial?

Miscanthus (Maiden Grass) is one of the most prized perennial ornamental grasses when back lit by the sun, either rising or setting. This perennial makes dense clumps of arching, grassy foliage in an assortment of widths and colors. ... Maiden grass is deer resistant and drought tolerant once it's established.

Will deer eat ornamental grass?

Most ornamental grasses are deer-resistant, including: Fescue (Festuca sp.) Flame grass (Miscanthus sp.) ... Zebra grass (Miscanthus sp.)

Is Lemon Grass deer resistant?

- It can also be used to add a lemony flavor to your favorite dishes, or you can steep the top leaves to make a delicious tea. ...