The forest simse is an easy-care perennial for the edge of the pond, but it can also be planted wonderfully in the garden or in pots.
When planting a pond in the garden, the forest ledge should not be missing. Their reed-like leaf blades are simply part of the pond ambience. The green plant is extremely easy to care for and can even be cultivated in the shade. The forest ledge (Scirpus sylvaticus) is related to the sour grasses. It also belongs to the sauergrass family, which includes numerous other pond grasses in addition to the forest ledge. However, Scirpus sylvaticus cannot only be planted near the pond. Other garden locations also benefit from planting the forest ledges.Forest ledges in the garden
Forest ledges are classic hydroponic planting examples. Since they are very moisture-loving, they are perfect for water-based planting concepts and locations with high humidity. The plants generally reach growth heights of up to 1 m. However, the forest ledge forms loosely growing clumps.
The favorite place for Scirpus sylvaticus in the garden is the edge of the pond. Here the stalks of the sour grass plant beautifully surround the water and form a grassy border around the pond bank when planted extensively. Planting on other water bodies in the garden, for example on a stream, is also conceivable. And also in the garden
- Moorbed
- Shadowbed
- or Swampbed
The forest ledge is doing quite well.
| Forest ledge (Scirpus sylvaticus) | |
|---|---|
| Growth: | forms short runners, loose clumps, gradually lawn-like |
| Growth: | 20 - 60 cm |
| Growth: | 25 - 30 cm |
| Flowering: | May - June |
| Location: | Penumbral shade to full shade |
| Floor: | fresh, permeable, rich in humus |
Suitable for group planting
In addition, group plantings of the sauergrass family can also give natural garden concepts such as natural gardens, forest gardens or water gardens that certain something. Here you can find picturesque passages and hiddenFrame seating areas with Scirpus sylvaticus. An unobtrusive garden light that illuminates the grasses at night provides additional magical accents.
Forest ledges are often cultivated individually on gravel surfaces (e.g. in rock gardens or on house walls). Here the green clumps of grass conjure up beautiful accents in the stone landscape. And even as hydroponic houseplants, woodland ledges are kept from time to time.
Did you know?: In the past, the forest ledge was also a popular wicker material and was used as a forage plant for livestock.
Walld-Simse - location and planting
With regard to the light conditions at the location, Scirpus sylvaticus prefers the shade or semi-shade. The perennial plant is therefore a good solution for moderately exposed garden locations. The forest simse also has a good winter hardiness. It can therefore stand in the garden for several years without any problems.
Scirpus sylvaticus is native throughout Eurasia. In Germany, it inhabits the heath and moor landscapes of the B altic and North Seas very luxuriantly. But it also thrives elsewhere in forests, ditches and wet meadows. Wet is exactly the right keyword here. Because the forest simse prefers, as is usual for pond plants, rather damp locations. You can plant the grass perennial up to a water depth of 5 to 10 cm without damaging it. On the other hand, dry substrates are unsuitable.
The site substrate for forest sims should be cool, nutrient-rich and have a slightly acidic pH value between 5.5 and 6.5 points. Humic, sandy-loamy or sandy-peaty substrates are recommended so that the plant is well aerated despite the high moisture content in the soil.
➔ Mix substrate for forest ledges yourself
In pot culture or in bed locations, it can make sense to mix the location substrate yourself. The ideal substrate mix looks like this:
- 5 portions of humus substrate (e.g. peat soil or conventional potting soil)
- 2 portions of clayey soil
- 1 proportion quartz sand
- 1 part pumice gravel, perlite or lava granules
Planting forest ledges in 3 steps
- The best time to plant forest ledges is spring. You can plant the sedge plant as soon as the ground is open and there is no longer any threat of severe frost.
- If you plant the forest ledges on the bank edge, it is best to place the perennial in a plant basket with a suitable substrate. Weight the plant basket down with some perlite or mix the rock under the soil. That way he can be solid in thestand water without buoying up. In addition, perlite guarantees a well-drained soil, which later helps with air exchange.
- Lower the plant baskets with your forest ledges in a prepared planting hole. As mentioned, the optimal water depth is between 5 and 10 cm. With the right planting distance, the natural growth width of Scirpus sylvaticus of approx. 30 cm should be taken into account.
Forest ledges - watering and fertilizing
Scirpus sylvaticus does not need to be watered in aquatic locations. The situation is different for locations in the garden. If you are not planting in a damp bog bed or swamp bed, you should occasionally pull out the watering can when there is no rainfall. As a rule of thumb, the soil must be continuously moist.
If the forest ledge is in a nutrient-rich pond bottom, fertilization is unnecessary. In pot culture or in dry locations, however, it is advisable to give some flower fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks. For pot cultures, a conventional fertilizer for indoor plants also works. In the cold season, fertilization is reduced from November to February.
Forest ledges - pruning and propagation
A cut is actually not necessary on the forest ledge. However, you can remove wilted parts of the plant to obtain an attractive appearance. However, sometimes the autumn leaves of the plant in the garden and at the edge of the pond are also very beautiful. The propagation of the forest ledges works very easily by dividing the rootstock.
➔ Root division outdoors
For this purpose, the plant is dug up in spring and cut off sections with at least 20 leaves each. Good leaf density is important to allow the cuts to develop quickly. The separated clumps can then be replanted immediately. Anyone who shares regularly will receive an inexpensive, home-grown pond border made of forest ledges within a few years.
➔ Root division in pot culture
The root division in pot cultures is best done during repotting. This is indicated as soon as the clumps of Scirpus sylvaticus are visibly crowding the edge of the pot. In such cases, it is best to also divide the roots to reduce the size of the plant again. Then shorten the roots a little and remove dead root pieces. After replanting, potted cultures should be protected from direct sunlight for at least two weeks. This allows the plant to regenerate faster in the protective shade and re-establish itself in the pot.
Damage on the forest ledge
Scirpussylvaticus is relatively resistant to plant diseases. Root rot does not occur despite the permanently wet location, as the plant is predestined for water locations and hydroponics. A floor that is too dry and very dry air (e.g. heating air) have a much worse effect. It causes brown leaf tips and indicates that higher humidity is needed.
Among the pests, aphids and spider mites occasionally like to settle on the forest ledge. However, they can be kept in check by using beneficial insects and spraying nettle decoction.