Pruning guide
How to prune feathertop grass
More feathertop grass care
Pruning feathertop grass — FAQ
When should I prune feathertop grass?
Late winter (if overwintering); deadhead through summer to limit seeding. For overwintering plants: cut to 3–4 inches above the crown in late February or early March. For annual use: pull the whole plant after the first hard frost. Deadhead spent plumes throughout the growing season to reduce self-seeding, especially in mild climates.
How often does feathertop grass need pruning?
Annually (cut-back or pull); deadhead as needed through growing season. Feathertop grass (Pennisetum villosum) is a soft, short-lived perennial or annual grass with fluffy white plumes. Cut it back hard in late winter if it overwinters in your climate. In cooler zones it is grown as an annual and simply pulled after frost kills it. Deadhead to limit self-seeding — it can naturalise prolifically in warm regions.
How do you prune feathertop grass?
For overwintering plants: cut to 3–4 inches above the crown in late February or early March. For annual use: pull the whole plant after the first hard frost. Deadhead spent plumes throughout the growing season to reduce self-seeding, especially in mild climates.