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Which grass??

Robert WestRobert West Posts: 241
in Plants
Hello

I bought a large number of different grasses a year ago. I know what most of them are but this one didn't have a label. It's grown really well since planting it and is actually spreading a bit TOO readily (lots of side shoots appearing nearby) but I can deal with that at some point. Anyway, I was wondering whether anyone could identify it so I know when to cut it back. Thanks in advance.



Posts

  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    That looks like an evergreen grass, possibly a young Stipa gigantea, but I’m not sure. If it is, it doesn’t need any pruning.  @GardenerSuze may recognise it.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • Robert WestRobert West Posts: 241
    I've just been and had a closer look and it's sent runners out 1ft in all directions. I think it will be coming out. It's a small border and it's going to take over I fear. It's already sprouting in the middle of other smaller plants. It was tiny when it went in! 😂 My fault for planting something with no label! 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited February 2023
    @Robert West I don't think it is a Stipa. If you look closely at the leaves is there a fine stripe? It is looking blown about now my thoughts are a Calamagrostis poss Overdam  I would cut to the ground now and wait for it to regrow in spring repost a photo for a full ID. I can see the runners which are harmless if my ID is correct.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Robert WestRobert West Posts: 241
    I was wondering whether it was maybe a calamagrostis. Looks like it wants to grow bigger than that space will allow though. Might have to lift it and move it elsewhere. When would be the best time to do that? 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited February 2023
    Only move grasses when they are actively growing. Cut it back and when it really starts to get going lift and split if you wish  but into generous size chunks never very small pieces as it take a long time to get going. You could put one piece back it will form a much more columnar narrow shape. If you get pink tinges with the stripes could be C Overdam as suggested.  Good with dark leaved plants.
    Looks impressive in a long border when repeated to give a sense of rhythum, or grouped in 3s or if you have space 5s.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,889
    I second Overdam
    Devon.
  • Robert WestRobert West Posts: 241
    Thank you all for your help. I'll dig and divide in a few months time I think. 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    As soon as it starts to grow well go for it
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
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