How to prune Calamagrostis and Stipa grasses: complete guide

What are Calamagrostis and Stipa grasses?

Calamagrostis and Stipa are two different but similar ornamental grasses. Calamagrostis (feather reed grass) grows to 1.2 metres, has upright purple-brown plumes. Popular cultivars are 'Overdam' and 'Karl Foerster'. Stipa (feather grass) grows shorter (60-80 cm), has very fine, delicate silvery-grey plumes. Popular cultivars are 'Pennata' and 'Tenuissima'.

Both remain lovely until March with their winter colours and plumes. But around March you must cut them back, like all large ornamental grasses.

Why prune Calamagrostis and Stipa?

Without pruning you get in April and May a tangle of old and new foliage. The plumes fade, the grass looks messy. With pruning everything grows out cleanly and in May you see fresh, full plants again.

Around March both grasses prepare new growth. So March is essential, not April or May.

When exactly to prune?

First half of March. Not before late February. Check the weather forecast - no frost after cutting. Calamagrostis and Stipa are somewhat hardier than Pennisetum, so frost timing is less critical.

Step-by-step pruning

Step 1: Put on gloves

Stipa leaves are REALLY sharp. Heavy gloves mandatory. Calamagrostis leaves are less sharp but also rough. Coarse gloves suffice.

Step 2: Decide cutting height

Calamagrostis: cut back to 10-15 cm above ground. Hard cutting works well.

Stipa: cut back to 15-20 cm above ground. Stipa leaves feel more fragile, so leaving them higher works better.

Step 3: Cut all around

Start from the top, work downward. Cut methodically around. This is fast because both grasses are less dense than Miscanthus.

Secateurs work well here. Hedge shears can also work, but secateurs are more precise.

Step 4: Free the heart

After cutting, dead leaves lie in the heart. Make sure you remove them. This is less critical than with Miscanthus or Pennisetum, but does matter for tidiness.

Step 5: Compost

Everything to compost. Both grasses yield less material than Miscanthus.

Calamagrostis specifics

Calamagrostis is robust. You can cut it short (10 cm) and it regrows quickly. It leafs heavily and feels dense. Make sure you wear gloves. Some cultivars ('Overdam') have some yellow leaves in the green - those can stay.

Stipa specifics

Stipa is more delicate. Prune more carefully (15-20 cm). The leaves feel fragile. After pruning it may look yellow, but that recovers quickly. Stipa grows back somewhat more slowly than Calamagrostis, so be patient.

Frequently asked questions

My Stipa feels very fragile. Can I prune?

Yes, as long as you are careful. Do not cut too short (20 cm). Rest after pruning (no feeding).

Calamagrostis grows extremely wild. Can I cut this in summer?

No. Summer pruning damages. Wait until March. If it really gets out of hand in July/August, carefully remove a few dead stems (minimally).

How do I tell dead from living foliage?

Dead foliage feels dry, brown, dark-coloured. Living foliage feels firm, greenish, has turgidity. Cut dead foliage.

Does Stipa regrow quickly?

Reasonably fast. In May it is 40-60 cm tall again. In August it flowers beautifully.

What if I cut too late (April)?

Prune carefully, leave higher (20-30 cm). Plant recovers more slowly. Better next March.

Step-by-step

Step 1: Choose March, early

Late February, early March. Check frost.

Step 2: Put on heavy gloves

Especially for Stipa. The leaves are sharp!

Step 3: Cut back

Calamagrostis: 10-15 cm. Stipa: 15-20 cm.

Methodically around.

Step 4: Remove dead foliage

With rake or hands. Make sure the heart is free.

Step 5: Compost

Everything to compost.

Per grass type

Calamagrostis 'Karl Foerster': Upright, robust. Cut short (10 cm). Regrows quickly.

Calamagrostis 'Overdam': Yellow-edged foliage. Cut normally (15 cm). Shows yellow stripes in growth.

Stipa 'Pennata': Very fine plumes, delicate. Prune carefully (20 cm). Regrows slowly.

Stipa 'Tenuissima': Very long foliage, fragile. Prune carefully (20 cm). Much patience after pruning.

Frequently asked questions

Can I prune Calamagrostis and Stipa together?

Yes. Cut Calamagrostis shorter (10 cm), Stipa higher (20 cm). They regrow in sync.

My Stipa yellows after pruning. Is it dead?

No. Normal stress. Regrows quickly. No problem.

How do I cut Stipa without cutting myself?

Heavy gloves (ordinary garden gloves are not enough!). Secateurs with long handles. Work carefully. Stipa leaves are like razor blades.

Design your own garden

At [gardenworld.app](https://gardenworld.app) you see how Calamagrostis and Stipa fit in your front yard. Upload your photo, add both grasses in different combinations, and visualise how they grow through the year. Plan your front garden with elegant texture.