Easy to grow, Pennisetum is an original grass nicknamed by some "bottlebrush grass" in reference to the cylindrical, feathery shape of its flowers. A very fashionable perennial, Pennisetum is valued above all for its wild, structural habit. Let's discover how to divide it to multiply in the garden and rejuvenate clumps!
Why divide grasses?
Plant division is a vegetative method of multiplication, therefore asexual. Plants resulting from this type of multiplication are consequently clones of the parent plant. Division is thus a method to obtain many new plants at low cost.
But division also rejuvenates a grass a few years old. Over time, these plants develop a root system that becomes too dense. The aerial parts, leaves and flowers, develop poorly, the plant becomes less vigorous and the centre of the clump thins out. Division will "reboost" and rejuvenate the clump of your grass and it will quickly produce new foliage.
Materials required
- 1 digging fork
- 2 sharp spades or, failing that, a good garden knife
- 1 watering can
- 1 pruning shear
- 1 pair of gloves
- compost, potting compost...
How to divide Pennisetum?
Division of Pennisetum clumps is done in spring, from March to April. It is carried out when the plant is well rooted, that is after 3 to 4 years of cultivation.
- From March, use a digging fork to lift the clump gently
- Insert two spades back to back in the middle and lever one up: you can also cut the clump with a good garden knife
- Take several vigorous divisions with healthy roots
- Cleanly cut damaged roots with pruning shear
- Replant divisions immediately into well-prepared soil: you can replace the largest division in the same spot
- Water well to reduce air pockets between roots and soil
- Firm the soil gently by hand. Add organic mulch at the base of your perennial.
Tip: before starting, always disinfect your tools to avoid transmitting diseases between your plants.
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