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hakone grass in zone 4?

15 years ago

Will hakone grass survive here in zone 4 in a somewhat open area? Typically with my other grasses(Karl Forsters,miscanthus) I cut them back about half way in the fall(so they don't catch too much snow and create snowdrifts) and then cut them way back in the spring. Is that what you do with hakone grass,too?

Peggy

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Comments (3)

trilliumway
15 years ago
I am in zone 5 and have had great luck just waiting until spring to cut them back. I read somewhere that would work in zone 4 as well. The foliage should be left on to provide protection and cut back in spring.

Oh, I remember now....it was in "Making the Most of Shade by Larry Hodgson" Great book.....

Maybe others with more experience could give some advice as well. It's a beautiful grass.....

Good luck. ~Jen
hostaholic2 z 4, MN
15 years ago
I've seen it growing in the Twin Cities and I have a friend growing it "in town" in my area. I have not been successful in growing it. I'm on the edge of the prairie and get a lot of wind. Even my most sheltered spots are windy. I'm not sure if it was the winter winds that did it in or if just didn't stay moist enough or a combination of the two. Either way I lost two of them and have pretty much given up on it for now. Good luck, whatever you decide.
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peggy_hosta
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the advice. I realize that grasses are best if left tall until spring but we get some good? blizzards here and any plant near the driveway/road can create big snowdrifts which my dh doesn't appreciate moving!!But I only cut them back about halfway in the fall. If I can find some hakone grass cheap, I may give it a try.
Peggy

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