Overwintering guide
How to overwinter strictus porcupine grass
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills strictus porcupine grass in winter
Cutting strictus porcupine 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 strictus porcupine grass care
Overwintering strictus porcupine grass — FAQ
Does strictus porcupine grass need to come indoors for winter?
Strictus Porcupine Grass is hardy to roughly USDA zone 5 — winter lows around -29°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Strictus Porcupine 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 strictus porcupine grass for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water strictus porcupine grass in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills strictus porcupine grass over winter?
Cutting strictus porcupine 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.