When to prune ornamental grasses
Late winter before new growth. Old foliage gives winter interest and crown protection; cut it before new green shoots emerge so you don't clip them.
| Type | perennial |
|---|---|
| Blooms on | n/a |
| Bloom season | late summer-fall |
| When to prune | Late winter before new growth |
| Stop | No heavy pruning in the 6–8 weeks before your first fall frost |
Avoid
Cutting back in fall in cold zones.
Example dates
| Place | Dates |
|---|---|
| Austin, TX (78701) | Jan 27–Feb 24 |
| Atlanta, GA (30303) | Feb 10–Mar 10 |
| St. Louis, MO (63101) | Feb 18–Mar 18 |
| Chicago, IL (60614) | Feb 27–Mar 27 |
| Denver, CO (80202) | Mar 19–Apr 16 |
| Seattle, WA (98101) | Jan 30–Feb 27 |
Every ZIP page has its own dates. Find your ZIP.
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Sources
- Colorado State University Extension: Pruning Flowering Shrubs
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC: Pruning Shrubs
Summarized in our own words from public extension publications.
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