Basket grass, also known by its botanical name Oplismenus hirtellus is a popular ornamental grass cherished for its graceful cascading foliage. To keep your basket grass looking its best, occasional trimming is essential. Proper pruning promotes healthy new growth, enhances the plant’s form, and prevents it from becoming overgrown.
In this comprehensive guide we will cover everything you need to know about trimming basket grass, from understanding when and how often to prune to step-by-step instructions for proper technique. Read on to learn the ins and outs of pruning your basket grass for optimal growth and beauty.
Why Trimming Basket Grass is Important
Trimming basket grass provides several key benefits:
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Maintains size and shape: Regular pruning keeps the plant tidy and prevents leggy, unattractive growth. You can prune to enhance the plant’s natural weeping habit.
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Removes dead foliage: Cutting away dead or damaged leaves improves appearance and air circulation.
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Encourages new growth: Pruning stimulates the emergence of fresh, new foliage from the base of the plant.
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Rejuvenates old plants: Heavy pruning renews old, overgrown specimens by forcing new growth.
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Improves health: Good air circulation and removal of spent foliage limits disease and pests.
When to Trim Basket Grass
Time your trimming carefully to maximize the benefits:
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Early spring: Prune back old foliage before new growth emerges.
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Summer: Remove spent flower stalks and trim back wayward stems.
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Fall: Cut away damaged foliage to prep for winter. Remove semi-evergreen foliage in very cold zones.
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Anytime: Prune away dead or damaged stems as needed to improve appearance.
How Often to Prune Basket Grass
Frequency depends on the plant’s age, your climate, and desired size:
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Yearly: In spring, trim all stems back to 6 inches for general maintenance.
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Twice a year: In spring and midsummer, prune to control size and shape.
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As needed: Cut away dead stems and trim for shape anytime.
Avoid shearing basket grass into perfect globes, which looks overly manicured. Instead, prune for a softly flowing form.
What You’ll Need
Before pruning, assemble these essential supplies:
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Bypass hand pruners for smaller stems
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Sharp pruning shears for thicker foliage
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Gardening gloves to protect hands from sharp stems
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Disinfectant like isopropyl alcohol to clean tools
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Compost bin or yard waste bags for debris
Clean, sharpened tools make pruning easier and minimize harm to the plant.
How to Trim Basket Grass Step-By-Step
Follow these simple steps for trimming basket grass:
Inspect and Assess
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Examine the plant’s current condition and growth to assess its needs.
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Identify dead or damaged stems to remove. Look for crossing stems that rub together.
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Decide how much to prune to rejuvenate and contain size.
Disinfect Tools
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Clean tools with isopropyl alcohol before trimming.
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This prevents transmitting diseases between plants.
Remove Dead Stems
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Cut away any dead, damaged or diseased stems at the base using pruners or shears.
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Removing them improves air circulation and appearance.
Prune Overgrown Stems
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Identify old, woody stems and crossing stems and cut them back to just above a leaf node.
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Targeting old stems forces new growth.
Shape and Contain
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Trim back over-long wispy stems to contour the plant.
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Cutting stems by 1/3rd to 1/2 their length shapes growth.
Clean Up
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Dispose of woody debris in yard waste bags. Compost thinner stems.
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Never pile debris around the plant, as it can harbor pests and diseases.
Expert Tips for Trimming Basket Grass
Follow these professional recommendations for beautiful results:
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Use sharp tools: Bypass pruners and gardening shears make clean cuts that heal quickly. Dull blades crush stems.
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Cut at an angle: Angled cuts shed water and heal better than straight cuts.
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Know your zones: In zone 7 and warmer, basket grass stays evergreen. In zone 6 and colder, trim away frozen foliage in late winter.
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Remove flowers: Snip off spent bloom stalks to encourage lush foliage. Let some go to seed for wildlife.
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Fertilize after: Apply a balanced fertilizer after major pruning to energize new growth.
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Mulch well: Replenish mulch after pruning to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Troubleshooting Common Pruning Problems
Issue | Cause | Solution
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The BEST Way to Prune Ornamental Grasses
FAQ
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