Pruning guide
How to prune silver spike grass
More silver spike grass care
Pruning silver spike grass — FAQ
When should I prune silver spike grass?
Late winter to early spring (February–March), before new shoots emerge. Cut the entire clump back to 3–5 inches with shears or loppers. Dead flower stems can also be removed in autumn if tidiness is preferred, but leave the bulk of the foliage for winter interest and frost protection.
How often does silver spike grass need pruning?
Annually. Silver spike grass (Stipa calamagrostis) is a semi-evergreen clump-forming grass. Cut it back hard in late winter before new growth appears, removing old and winter-tatty stems to 3–5 inches. This renews the clump and encourages the arching flower plumes that give the plant its ornamental value through summer.
How do you prune silver spike grass?
Cut the entire clump back to 3–5 inches with shears or loppers. Dead flower stems can also be removed in autumn if tidiness is preferred, but leave the bulk of the foliage for winter interest and frost protection.