How to Transplant Ornamental Grass: A Complete Guide

Ornamental grasses add texture, movement, and visual interest to any garden. Their wispy, arching foliage sways gracefully in the breeze From small, delicate grasses to towering plumes, they come in a diverse array of sizes, shapes, and colors.

As clumps of ornamental grass grow over time, they often outgrow their space or lose vigor. Transplanting and dividing ornamental grasses rejuvenates them while multiplying your plant collection. With some simple steps, you can successfully transplant ornamental grass divisions to new beds or containers.

When to Transplant Ornamental Grass

Timing is important when transplanting ornamental grasses For best results, divide them while actively growing, not while dormant or flowering.

• Cool-season grasses: Spring or early fall when foliage is green and plants are growing strongly. Avoid summer heat.

• Warm-season grasses: Early summer after new growth resumes. Avoid peak summer heat.

• Evergreen grasses: Early spring before new growth emerges.

Transplanting every 2-4 years will keep ornamental grasses healthy and prevent overcrowding.

How to Transplant Ornamental Grass Step-By-Step

Follow these simple steps for transplanting ornamental grass with minimal stress:

1. Prepare New Planting Area

• Amend soil with compost or organic material to improve drainage and nutrients.

• Dig holes in new beds wider and deeper than the grass root balls.

• Space holes appropriately for grasses’ mature spread size.

2. Water Grasses Well in Advance

• Deeply water grasses 1-2 days before digging them up.

• Moist soil will help reduce transplant stress and make digging easier.

3. Dig Up Entire Clumps

• Use a sharp shovel or spade to dig around and under grasses’ root zones.

• Try to lift out the entire clump and root system intact.

4. Gently Divide Root Balls

• Carefully tease apart root ball into smaller clumps or divisions.

• Use pruners to cut through any thick, woody roots or stems.

• Divisions should have 3-5 healthy stems and ample roots.

5. Rapidly Replant Divisions

• Quickly replant divisions in prepared holes at proper spacing and depth.

• Firm soil gently around roots and water thoroughly immediately.

• Don’t let roots dry out before replanting.

6. Provide Aftercare as Needed

• Water frequently until grasses are established and resume growth.

• Apply organic mulch to help retain soil moisture.

• Stake droopy stems temporarily until root systems recover.

• Watch for pests or diseases and treat organically if found.

Caring for Newly Transplanted Ornamental Grass

Proper aftercare reduces transplant stress and helps divisions establish quickly:

• Water deeply and consistently: Avoid drying out roots before they regenerate.

• Mulch beds: Retains moisture and cools soil. Discourages weeds.

• Stake floppy growth: Support stems until strong roots re-establish to hold them up.

• Allow time to establish: Growth will likely be slow at first until new roots grow.

• Watch for pests/disease: Treat issues organically if found. Grasses are typically resilient.

• Deadhead spent blooms: Removes unsightly faded plumes and encourages reblooming.

With attentive watering and care, transplanted grasses will flourish in their new homes.

What to Do with Extra Divided Ornamental Grass

After dividing mature grasses, you’ll likely have surplus divisions. Consider these options:

• Plant extras in containers for graceful upright accents.

• Use divisions to start new ornamental grass beds and borders.

• Give or sell spare transplants to gardening friends and neighbors.

• Donate overstock to schools, nurseries, or conservation groups.

• Compost very small divisions if you have no other use.

Sharing extra transplants is a great way to spread beauty while reducing waste.

Troubleshooting Common Transplant Problems

While resilient, some potential issues can arise when dividing ornamental grasses:

• Damaged roots: Gently tease apart root balls to avoid ripping delicate roots. Replant immediately.

• Floppy growth: Support drooping stems with stakes until new roots establish to hold them upright.

• Slow regrowth: Be patient! Allow time for root recovery before foliage takes off. Ensure consistent water.

• Few or no blooms: Flowering may decrease the first year after transplanting while roots recover.

• Pests or diseases: Treat any issues organically at first sight. Grasses are typically pest and disease resistant.

With attentive care, most transplant stress symptoms will resolve over time as grasses establish.

Tips for Transplanting Ornamental Grass Success

Follow these tips when dividing grasses for best results:

• Select a cool, cloudy day to reduce transplant stress. Avoid hot, sunny weather.

• Use very sharp tools to cleanly cut through roots and stems without shredding.

• Water new transplants very consistently until well established. Grasses dislike dried out soil.

• Replant divisions at the same depth they were originally growing. Don’t plant too deeply.

• Apply organic mulch around new plantings to maintain soil moisture and temperature.

• Be patient! Allow time for root recovery before expecting vigorous top growth.

Proper timing, technique, and aftercare will give transplanted grasses the best start in their new location.

The Renewed Beauty of Healthy Ornamental Grasses

Dividing overgrown clumps revitalizes ornamental grasses, encouraging vigorous new growth and prolific blooms. With time and care, transplants will establish and thrive.

Soon graceful foliage will emerge and fill out as roots secure themselves in place. Stems will sway in the breeze once again as plants grow happier than ever before. Don’t be afraid to get hands dirty dividing tired grasses. Your patience will be rewarded with their renewed splendor in the garden.

If ornamental grasses are not cut back each year, they can become unsightly due to accumulated dead foliage, and their health can be negatively impacted. The dead material can harbor pests and diseases, hindering new growth and potentially leading to rot or mold.