Pruning guide
How to prune ribbon grass
More ribbon grass care
- How to prune canary reed grass — the species this cultivar belongs to
- Full ribbon grass care guide
- Common ribbon grass problems & fixes
- How to propagate ribbon grass
- When to repot ribbon grass
Pruning ribbon grass — FAQ
When should I prune ribbon grass?
Late winter to early spring before new growth emerges. Cut the entire clump to 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) above ground with shears. Use a spade to slice off and remove rhizomes that are spreading beyond the desired area; a root barrier helps long-term.
How often does ribbon grass need pruning?
Annually (cutback); as needed (runner control). Ribbon Grass is a vigorous, spreading ornamental grass that benefits from a hard annual cutback. Shear the whole clump down to a few inches in late winter or early spring to clear old, bleached foliage before fresh variegated growth pushes through. Trim aggressive runners at the edges any time to contain its spread, as it can be invasive.
How do you prune ribbon grass?
Cut the entire clump to 3–4 inches (8–10 cm) above ground with shears. Use a spade to slice off and remove rhizomes that are spreading beyond the desired area; a root barrier helps long-term.