Trimming Ornamental Grasses – Spring Plant Care Tips

Spring is the time to trim your ornamental and native grasses.  You will want to get this done before the new growth begins.

Cut all of your grasses down to just a few inches above the ground.  You want to remove all of last year’s foliage to allow the new growth to emerge from the crowns.

Some grasses will start to grow right away, (like Karl Foerster), but be patient with Switch or Flame Grasses as they will not show signs of new growth until the soil warms up.  Spring is also the best time to divide your grasses if they have gotten to large.

Contact Paul Swartz Nursery today for more tips, special offers and plant care advice –

262.537-8083

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Pruning Hydrangeas

Spring is the best time to prune your hydrangeas before the new growth comes in.  This also helps maintain good plant health.

Know which type of hydrangea you have: Arborescens, Macrophylla and Paniculata.

 

Arborescens varieties include:  Annabelles, Snowhill and Invincibelle Spirit.

Endless Summer Hydrangea

***   When pruning this variety, it is best to trim down to ground level.

 

Macrophylla varieties include:  Endless Summer and All Summer Beauties

  ***  You will want to cut back the winter damage and cut back the stems to live buds.                                                                         

 

Paniculata varieties include:  Pee Gee, Quick Fire, Tardiva, Limelight, Little Lime and Pinky Winky.

   ***  Do not just trim off the top of the shrub, prune back 1/3 of the shrub into the body of the plant.  Remove duplicate branches.

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Prune to Promote Blooms on Roses

In general, most roses should be pruned in early spring (just after the last hard frost) before new growth emerges.  This ensures that the plant will have healthy blooms throughout the season.  Fresh mulch helps to minimize weeds, helps with soil moisture, and adds essential nutrients.  Keep mulch a few inches away from the base of the plant.

Happy Spring!

 

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