Overwintering guide
How to overwinter common tussock grass
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills common tussock grass in winter
Cutting common tussock grass hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More common tussock grass care
Overwintering common tussock grass — FAQ
Does common tussock grass need to come indoors for winter?
Common Tussock Grass is hardy to roughly USDA zone 7 — winter lows around -18°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Common Tussock Grass is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move common tussock grass for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water common tussock grass in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills common tussock grass over winter?
Cutting common tussock grass hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.