Overwintering guide
How to overwinter reed sweet-grass
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills reed sweet-grass in winter
Cutting reed sweet-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 reed sweet-grass care
Overwintering reed sweet-grass — FAQ
Does reed sweet-grass need to come indoors for winter?
Reed Sweet-grass is hardy to roughly USDA zone 4 — winter lows around -34°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Reed Sweet-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 reed sweet-grass for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water reed sweet-grass in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills reed sweet-grass over winter?
Cutting reed sweet-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.