Basket grass, also known as Oplismenus hirtellus, is a gorgeous ornamental grass that can add a delightful touch of elegance to your outdoor garden. With its lush green blades that cascade gracefully, this low-maintenance plant is perfect for creating a flowing carpet effect in hanging baskets, containers, or as mesmerizing ground cover in shaded areas.
If you want to cultivate basket grass in your garden, following some simple tips will help you succeed in growing this eye-catching grass plant outdoors.
Choosing the Optimal Location
Selecting the right spot is crucial when planting basket grass outdoors This ornamental grass thrives in partial to full shade, making it ideal for areas in your garden that get filtered sunlight or are shaded by trees, buildings, or other structures
Too much direct sun will scorch the delicate leaves of basket grass so it’s vital to find a location that provides shade for a good portion of the day. Dappled sunlight filtering through trees is perfect.
Additionally, basket grass prefers soil that drains well yet remains moist and is rich in organic matter. Before planting, ensure the soil is loose, fertile, and able to retain some moisture to supply the nutrients this grass needs to flourish.
If the soil is dense, clay-like, or compacted, consider amending it with compost or peat moss to improve drainage and moisture retention.
Planting Your Basket Grass
When establishing basket grass in your garden, you can start either from seeds or buy nursery-grown plants.
If using seeds, sow them directly into the prepared soil in the shaded area you have chosen. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin sprinkling of soil, then gently water to avoid disturbing them. Maintain consistent moisture until the seeds germinate and sprout.
For a faster start, opt for nursery-grown basket grass plants. Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant’s root ball and set the plant in at the same level it was growing in the container. Fill in the hole with soil, tamp down gently to secure the plant, and water thoroughly after planting to help the roots establish quickly.
Caring for Your Basket Grass
To keep your basket grass thriving happily outdoors, proper care and maintenance is essential.
Watering
Basket grass requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, but not saturated. During hot, dry summer months, you may need to water more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out entirely.
Using 2-3 inches of organic mulch around the base of each plant can help retain soil moisture and reduce water loss from evaporation.
Fertilizing
Applying a balanced fertilizer once a month during the active growing season promotes strong, healthy growth and lush, vibrant foliage in basket grass. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can promote excessive leaf growth rather than overall plant vigor.
Pruning
Regularly removing any dead, yellowing, or unsightly leaves keeps your grass looking neat and tidy. Also, pruneing back any overgrown, leggy stems encourages fuller, compact new growth.
Division
Every 2-3 years, you can divide congested clumps of basket grass to rejuvenate the planting. This prevents the grass from getting overwhelmed.
Pests/Diseases
Check regularly for pests like aphids, mealybugs, or signs of fungal issues. Treat any problems promptly to maintain plant health.
Propagating Basket Grass
Once established, basket grass can be easily propagated by division or seed collection.
Division
Carefully dig up mature clumps and separate them into smaller sections, ensuring each division has ample roots. Replant the divisions in new locations, water well, and care for as new plants.
Seeds
Allow seed heads to fully develop and dry on the plant before harvesting. Sow the collected seeds in prepared soil and care for the seedlings as you would the original plants.
With its cascading green blades and graceful form, few ornamental grasses can compare to the elegance of basket grass. Follow these tips for choosing the optimal shady site, planting, watering, fertilizing, and propagation, and you’ll be rewarded with a lush carpet of this mesmerizing grass in your garden. A relatively low-maintenance yet high-impact addition, basket grass brings beautiful texture and flowing movement to any outdoor space.
How to fertilize Indian Basket-Grass
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plants nutrients, repot your Indian Basket-Grass after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
Indian Basket-Grass prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Indian Basket-Grass requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive . Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home .
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Indian Basket-Grass grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
USDA Hardiness Zone Indian Basket-Grass can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 4a-8b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
Finding light for Indian Basket-Grass in your home
Indian Basket-Grass love being close to bright, sunny windows .
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Indian Basket-Grass does not tolerate low-light .
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Indian Basket-Grass in your home .
How to Grow HUGE Hanging Baskets
FAQ
Is basket grass a perennial or annual?
How to care for basket grass?
Can basket grass be used as ground cover?
Is basket grass invasive?
Is basket grass a perennial?
Basket grass is a hardy perennial in USDA growing zones 7 to 11. Is troubled by few insect or disease issues. If the blades appear frost damaged or show signs of wind or time abuse, simply trim back to 6 to 8 inches from the ground and the blades will spring back wonderfully. Most lomandras are comfortable in full sun to mostly shaded spots.
How tall does basketgrass grow?
Basketgrass is a low growing native grass. It stays below three inches tall, has up to three inch long leaves and creeps along the ground creating a moderately dense groundcover for shady, moist areas. The seedheads can reach almost 12 inches tall in the fall and provide food for seed eating painted buntings just when they arrive for the winter.
What type of grass is best for a drought prone area?
Drought prone areas and sites with low maintenance needs will benefit from the use of ornamental grass. One of the best series in recent introduction are the Lomandra grasses. The original grasses hail from Australia but have been developed in New Zealand to include numerous cultivars.