How Quickly Does Basket Grass Plant Grow? A Detailed Look

Basket grass, also known by its scientific name Oplismenus hirtellus, is a popular ornamental plant used in gardens and landscapes. With its attractive, waving foliage, basket grass makes an excellent groundcover and can add visual interest to shady areas. But exactly how fast does this grass grow? Let’s take a closer look.

An Overview of Basket Grass

Native to Australia and Asia basket grass is an evergreen perennial that grows in a spreading habit forming a lush, green carpet. The leaves are thin, wavy, and have a crinkled texture. Basket grass thrives in partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil. It can tolerate drought once established.

In the landscape, basket grass is valued for its ability to quickly fill in spaces, suppress weeds, and prevent soil erosion on slopes. Its flowing, cascading foliage also brings unique texture and softens hard edges.

Growth Rate of Basket Grass

The growth rate of basket grass is considered relatively slow compared to other ornamental grasses. In ideal growing conditions, basket grass may reach a height of 6-12 inches per year. However, the spread or horizontal growth across the ground is often faster than the vertical height.

Here are some key factors that influence the growth rate of basket grass:

• Climate – Basket grass prefers warm temperatures between 60-80°F. Growth will be slower in extremely hot or cold climates.

• Sunlight – Although it grows best in shade, some sun is needed. Too much sun can cause stress and slow growth.

• Soil – Rich, moist, well-draining soil encourages faster spreading. Poor soil limits nutrients and water.

• Water – Consistent watering is vital, especially during dry periods. Drought stunts growth.

• Maintenance – Fertilizing, pruning away dead foliage, and division boosts vigor.

First Year Growth

During the first year after planting, basket grass establishes its root system and typically achieves a height of 3-6 inches. The plant often spreads horizontally at a rate of 6-12 inches outward during the first year. Visible growth may seem slow at first.

Proper site preparation is key when planting basket grass. Removing weeds, amending soil with compost, and mulching accelerates early growth. Allowing 12-18 inches between plants provides adequate space for the first year spread.

Growth After Establishment

Once basket grass plants are established, usually within 1-2 years after planting, the growth rate increases significantly. Mature clumps can easily achieve 6-12 inches of new vertical growth per year. Spreading and filling in bare spots happens much quicker in established plants.

To encourage fast, vigorous growth after establishment, be sure to:

• Water deeply and regularly
• Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring
• Prune away old foliage and stems
• Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years

Speeding Up Growth

For those gardeners impatient to achieve a lush carpet of basket grass, there are a few tricks to speed up the process:

• Start with larger, more mature plants or plugs instead of seeds
• Use a closer initial spacing of 8-12 inches between plants
• Fertilize monthly with fast-release fertilizer
• Increase watering frequency
• Mix slow release fertilizer into soil at planting
• Avoid extreme heat or cold

With meticulous care and maintenance in the first years, an established cover of basket grass can be achieved within 2-3 years.

Ideal Growing Conditions

To maximize the growth rate, basket grass requires:

• Location – Dappled sunlight or light shade; protection from hot afternoon sun
• Soil – Moist, humus-rich, fertile soil with good drainage
• pH – Slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0
• Water – 1-2 inches per week, avoid letting soil dry out
• Temperature – Prefers daytime temperatures of 60-80°F

Meeting these ideal growing conditions will ensure your basket grass fills in quickly and thrives year after year. Cooler climates may experience slower growth.

Growth Habit

Unlike turf grasses, basket grass grows in a clumping habit rather than forming a uniform, contiguous lawn. The clumps emerge from short rhizomes under the soil. Each clump expands slowly outward.

Spacing the plants too far apart can lead to a more patchy appearance. Allowing clumps to fill in entirely before dividing maintains a fuller look. The cascading foliage and mounding form creates beautiful texture.

Tips for Faster Growth

Here are some useful tips to accelerate basket grass growth:

• Water deeply 2-3 times per week during the growing season
• Apply 1-2 inches of organic mulch around plants to retain moisture
• Fertilize 3 times per year with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer
• Prune away any dead or unsightly growth to improve vigor
• Remove competitive weeds that rob water and nutrients
• Divide congested clumps every 2-3 years to rejuvenate
• Protect plants from intense afternoon sun or drying winds

Growth Rate Comparison

Compared to other popular ornamental grasses, basket grass is generally slower growing. Here is how it stacks up:

• Hakone Grass – Can grow 6-12 inches per month under ideal conditions
• Japanese Blood Grass – Grows at a rate of 12-18 inches per year
• Fountain Grass – Grows 12-36 inches tall and wide each year
• Maiden Grass – Rapid vertical growth of 3-5 feet per year

So while basket grass gradually spreads at a leisurely pace, it provides fine-textured elegance and thrives with minimal care. A little patience goes a long way in establishing this uncommon gem.

When nurtured carefully, basket grass can provide superb groundcover and transform problem areas into a graceful, flowing landscape. Expect a moderate growth rate of about 6-12 vertical inches per year once established. Focus on meeting its preferred growing conditions and you’ll have a lush carpet in no time. With its airy elegance and easy care nature, basket grass is a superb choice for gardens large and small.