With its bronze-colored spikes, the flat ear grass is a real eye-catcher in autumn and is also very easy to care for.
The flat ear grass (Chasmanthium latifolium) is one of the easy-care ornamental grasses that can help shape the garden year with grace and colourfulness. The shape of the ears gave the plant its name. The magic of colors lasts between midsummer and late autumn. The pink spikes take on a warm copper hue under the last rays of the autumn sun. The foliage is in no way inferior to it with its golden yellow colour. The ears of corn, arranged like drops, are also a popular autumn decoration for the flower vase.
Corn grass Origin
The sweet grass is native to the east coast of the USA. There the flat ear grass grows in moist forests or along rivers and streams.
Sprick Grass Speci alty
The growth form and color of the culms depend on the location. In full sun, the flat ear grass impresses with upright stalks and light green foliage. In partial shade, the culms appear dark green and grow loosely and arching instead of upright.
| Northern spike grass (Chasmanthium latifolium) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | bushy, stiffly upright, clumpy |
| Growth: | 80 - 100 cm |
| Growth: | 50 - 60 cm |
| Flowering: | August - October |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | fresh to moist, well-drained, humus-loamy, nutritious |
Sprick Grass Location
The robust spiked grass can adapt to any location. As just described, only the growth form and leaf color change. Ideal growing conditions prevail in the light shade. Here the ornamental grass copes relatively well even with drought. In a sunny spot, the soil must not dry out.
The flat spike grass grows slowly and can be used well as ground cover. The plant is particularly attractive under trees and shrubs. The ornamental grass is also a welcome touch of color at the edge of the pond and in the colorful prairie garden.
» Tip: The flat spiked grass finds suitable plant neighbors in Larkspur,Asters, anemones or phlox.
Born grass Soil
In shade planting a dry soil is tolerated. The ideal substrate is rather moist, humus-rich and rich in nutrients. To ensure that the moisture can drain off, the substrate must be well permeable.
Planting flat spike grass - step by step
- Select Location
- Prepare the ground
- Note the planting distance
- Note planting height
- Dig planting hole
- Insert plant
- Fill up the soil and distribute well
- Press the ground
- Water the plant well
» Tip: Planting in groups is particularly attractive. Up to five plants can be placed on one square meter.
When planting, it is important to distribute the soil well between the roots. After planting, water should not be skimped on so that the roots can get enough moisture.
Water spike grass
After planting, the spiked grass should be moderately but regularly moisturized. Once the plants have rooted well, the ornamental grass only needs to be watered in the event of a prolonged drought.
» Tip: If the flat spiked grass is too dry, brown leaf blades form.
Fertilize spike grass
The nutrient requirements of the flat spiked grass can be estimated as quite high. Fertilizer should not be dispensed with in spring. Compost or horn shavings provide the plant with important nutrients.
The ornamental grass can also be supplied with a commercially available long-term fertilizer. This saves regular fertilization during the growth phase.
Cut flat spike grass
The stalks of the ornamental grass not only offer good winter protection, they also look expressive and bizarre in the dreary winter garden.
Pruning is done in late winter or early spring. In any case, the budding should not have started yet. The stalks are to be shortened just above the ground. This enables the flat ear grass to sprout again in abundance.
Propagate spike grass
Propagation is by seed or divisionpossible.
➔ Propagating flat spike grass by sowing
- Gather seeds (in autumn)
- Overwinter seeds in a dry and cool place
- Sow seeds in indoor culture
- Set up the seed pot warm but not in the sun
- Water the seed pot regularly
- Wait for germination
When the first leaves appear next to the cotyledons, it is time to place the young plants in their own plant pot. To make the substrate more permeable, it can be mixed with sand or gravel.
In early summer the young plants can be planted outdoors in a warm and wind-protected spot.
» Tip: The flat spiked grass sows itself in a moist location. This does not happen on dry substrate.
➔ Propagating flat spike grass by division
The flat ear grass can be divided in spring as well as in autumn. If it is a well-developed perennial, it can be dug up. The root is then broken down into several sections. These root pieces can be transplanted separately and cultivated separately.
Diseases and Pests
The hardy grass is avoided by pests and is not susceptible to disease. Blackleg occurs occasionally. The disease is concentrated in the autumn and winter months. The disorder can be recognized by small spots, which often turn bronze and can spread over a large area.
The plants die and are overgrown by weeds. A good way to prevent blackleg is to improve soil permeability. The pH should be between 6.5 and 7.
Winter spike grass
The remaining foliage protects the plants in winter. Further measures are usually not necessary. In severe frost, a layer of mulch can be spread around the root ball.
If you want to be on the safe side, you can put the flat spike grass in a planter and keep it frost-free indoors over the winter.