When can you transplant ornamental grasses?

It's best to move (transplant) many plants in the fall. However, this rule does not apply to most ornamental grasses.

When is the best time to transplant ornamental grasses?

It's best to transplant ornamental grasses in (early) spring. They'll take root more quickly in their new spot and then grow beautifully.

Before you move the ornamental grass, trim it first.

For varieties with stiff stalks, you can prune them all the way back to just above the ground. For soft varieties, you don’t need to prune as much; instead, you can remove the old and dead leaves by running your hand through them. See also our previous garden blog post on pruning ornamental grasses.

If you'd like, you could also divide the ornamental grasses in the spring.

Should ornamental grasses be transplanted in the fall after all?

If you do decide to transplant ornamental grasses in the fall, there's a greater chance that they won't take root, or that root rot will develop, if the soil is quite wet.

You’ll also speed up the dying-off process by moving them in the fall. Many ornamental grasses are still at their most beautiful in the fall, but if you move them, they’ll turn brown much faster and start to die off. It’s really a shame!