Worth knowing:
The ornamental Cogongrass impresses with the shiny red colouring of its leaves from summer and late into winter. Depending on the location and the soil, it can grow 30 to 40 cm high. It develops upright stalks with narrow leaves that are green at the bottom side and during the year more and more shiny red-coloured on the top. The grass prefers warm places and is easy to cultivate as a tub plant. With a proper frost-protection it can also be planted out.
Natural Location:
The natural habitat of the Cogongrass is in Japan, China and Korea, where it is also known as Alang Alang Grass. In Japan it is often planted underneath a bigger bonsai plant because of its contrasty leave coloration.
Cultivation:
Seed propagation indoors is possible throughout the year. Gently press the seeds into moist potting compost that ideally contains about 25% of perlite for a better permeation. Cover the seed container with clear film to prevent the earth from drying out, but don’t forget to make some holes in the clear film and take it every second or third day completely off for about 2 hours. That way you avoid mold formation on your potting compost. Place the seed container somewhere bright and warm with a temperature between 20° and 25° Celsius and keep the earth moist, but not wet. The best way to do so, is by daily using the water sprayer to moisten the soil. Usually it takes about two to three weeks until germination.
Place:
The Cogongrass prefers warm and sunny places, but also half-shaded spots are suitable. It can easily be cultivated as a solitary plant, as well as in mixed borders together with small trees and shrubs.
Care:
The Cogongrass needs nutritious soil. Once the plant is matured, it is rather carefree. Due to the heavily spreading roots, it is recommended using a rhizome barrier for outdoor plants. During the growth period you can give fertilizer for bamboo plants every four weeks. As with all ornamental grass plants, you should never prune in autumn, but only later in spring. Be careful: the grass stalks are quite sharp – a pair of gloves and eye protection are advisable for pruning. Ideally, you cut the grass about a hand’s width above ground or shortly above a new sprout. In spring, proliferation through cuttings is possible as well. Tub plants need for its deep reaching roots a rather tall pot for cultivation. Shifting up is only necessary when the roots start to grow aerial.
During the winter:
Water the grass only modest on frost-free days. In a harsh region you should protect the grass in the winter season with foliage, straw or some brushwood. Tub plants need in any case a jute sack or bubble wrap around the pot and should be kept on top of a wooden board or styrofoam.
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