Does Japanese silver grass come back every year?

Answered by Douglas Hiatt

Japanese silver grass does come back every year. I have been growing Japanese silver grass in my garden for several years now, and it has always returned with new shoots in the spring. It is a perennial plant, which means it has a life cycle that lasts for more than two years.

During the winter months, the leaves of the Japanese silver grass will become brown and dry. This is completely normal, as the plant assumes a dormant habit to conserve energy during the colder months. It is a natural process for many perennial plants, including Japanese silver grass.

However, it is important to cut back the grass in the spring before the new shoots start to appear. This is done to remove the old, dead foliage and make way for the new growth. Cutting back the grass also helps to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too overgrown.

I usually wait until late winter or early spring to cut back my Japanese silver grass. I use a pair of sharp pruning shears or hedge trimmers to remove the dead leaves and stems. I make sure to cut them back to ground level, being careful not to damage the new shoots that may be starting to emerge.

After cutting back the grass, I like to give it a light application of fertilizer to help promote healthy growth. I use a slow-release granular fertilizer specifically formulated for ornamental grasses. This provides the necessary nutrients for the grass to thrive throughout the growing season.

Once the grass starts to grow again in the spring, it quickly regains its lush green color and tall, graceful appearance. It adds a beautiful touch to my garden and provides a lovely backdrop for other plants.

Japanese silver grass is a perennial plant that comes back every year. Although its leaves become brown and dry in winter, it regenerates new shoots in the spring. Cutting back the grass before the new growth appears helps to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. With proper care, Japanese silver grass can be a stunning addition to any garden.