Basket grass also known as Oplismenus hirtellus or Lomandra is a versatile ornamental grass that is popular in gardens and landscapes. While basket grass is cold hardy in some regions, it will require some winter preparation and protection in colder climates to help it survive the winter months. Follow these simple tips to properly prepare your basket grass plants for winter
Choose the Right Location
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Basket grass prefers partial shade to full sun depending on variety, Select a spot that will offer some protection from winter winds and frost
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Drainage is key – wet soil in winter can lead to rotting. Pick a site with well-draining soil.
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Avoid low-lying areas or frost pockets that could expose plants to extreme cold.
Provide Winter Mulch
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Adding a 2-4 inch layer of mulch such as straw, pine needles, or chopped leaves around the base of the plants will insulate the roots and crown.
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Mulch should be mounded up around the crown but should not touch the actual leaves or stems.
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The mulch layer will regulate soil temperature and prevent frost heaving which can damage roots.
Cut Back Foliage
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Trim back basket grass foliage to around 6 inches in late fall before first frost. This prevents excessive moisture retention.
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Cutting foliage back removes dead growth and helps prevent disease or pest issues from overwintering in the leaves.
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Never cut back to the ground unless plants show severe frost or wind damage. Leave some leaves to help protect the crown.
Add Winter Interest
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For added winter appeal, leave attractive seed heads and dried foliage intact instead of cutting back.
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Variegated or golden varieties tend to hold color better than green types over winter.
Water Deeply Before First Freeze
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Water plants thoroughly in late fall to moisten the soil before it freezes. This gives plants a hydration boost going into winter dormancy.
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Avoid fertilizing in fall as this can spur new late season growth that is vulnerable to cold damage.
Protect with Row Covers
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In very cold regions, wrap plants with burlap or commercial row covers for added insulation if mulching alone is not sufficient.
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Secure covers firmly to keep from blowing away. Remove in spring once risk of hard freeze has passed.
Divide Overgrown Plants
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Basket grasses that have grown very dense or wide can be divided in early fall.
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Dividing reduces competition and allows plants to overwinter better. Replant divisions promptly.
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Alternatively, hold off until spring to divide if concerned about winter survival of new plantings.
Clean Up in Spring
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Remove winter mulch from around plants in early spring once threat of hard frost has passed.
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Groom plants by removing any remaining dead foliage to allow new growth to emerge.
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Divide and replant any overcrowded or dying sections that suffered over winter at this time.
Know Your USDA Zone
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Confirm your USDA planting zone and variety hardiness to determine optimal winter care.
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Most basket grass thrives down to zone 7 or below but may require more protection in the coldest zones. Check tag or plant specs.
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Warmer regions may only need minor trimming and mulching over winter. Colder zones need the full arsenal of winter protections.
Preparing basket grass plants properly each fall will help ensure they survive winter in top condition. Adjust care based on your climate, providing more insulation and protection for colder regions. With the right winter preparations, you can enjoy these ornamental grasses for many years.
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How to prepare Winter Hanging baskets
FAQ
Should ornamental grasses be cut down before winter?
How do you winterize ornamental grass?
Can potted ornamental grass survive winter?
How do you prune basket grass?
How do I winterize my lawn?
Here are the other steps to take in a thorough program to winterize your lawn: Aim for a grass height of 2 1/2 inches, and, each time you mow, remove just the top 1/3 of the grass blade. The easiest way to stick to these recommendations is to mow your lawn when it stands about 3 2/3 inches high.
How do I prepare my lawn for winter?
Then read the steps below to learn how to prepare your lawn for winter. Just remember: When aerating, fertilizing, or seeding, always go over the turf twice, with crisscrossing paths. You don’t want stripes in your revitalized lawn. Cut the grass down to 1 to 1½ inches, making it easier to aerate and to judge how much compost to add.
How do you grow grass from seed?
Mix the seeds into the compost with a leaf rake held tines up, as shown. Water lightly—5 minutes at a time, two to three times a day—until the seeds sprout. Then water once a day for 15 to 30 minutes. Mow the lawn again when the existing grass reaches 3 inches; bag the clippings.
How do you weave a grass basket?
Grass basket weaving is so simple, you will get nice results no matter what. Dare to be creative! Collect an armful of grass. You can use it as is or simply let it dry for a while. The longer the blades, the better. It works with shorter blades of grass too, but it might take a little longer. Start with a small bundle of long grass blades.