November 16, 2024, 3:53 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
A real eye-catcher: mosquito grass. With its upright inflorescences, it really does look like a swarm of mosquitoes or dragonflies. Hobby gardeners need to pay attention to a few things so that the grass really comes into its own in the garden.
The term dragonfly grass would actually be more appropriate for mosquito grass. This is because the inflorescences that extend horizontally from the stems strikingly resemble dragonflies suspended in the air. However, the name mosquito grass has become established. And yes, with half-closed eyes, the brown inflorescences also look like a swarm of mosquitoes in the late summer backlight. Originally native to the vast expanses of North America, the graceful mosquito grass (Bouteloua gracilis) is now also swaying in the wind across Europe. Overseas, blue grama, as the prairie grass is known in the USA, provides an important food source for grazing livestock. In our latitudes, prairie grass is becoming ornamental grass, and it feels at home in the garden, where other plants have a hard time.
Planting mosquito grass in the garden
This unique ornamental grass thrives particularly well in sunny or partially shaded spots in the garden or on the balcony. Mosquito grass generally tolerates a dry location. However, prolonged drought should be avoided as this will weaken growth.
The soil should be rather thin and never too dense. If necessary, loosen the soil with a little sand and gravel. Well-drained, nutrient-rich, and calcareous – perfect for mosquito grass.
The slender stems only reach a height of about 8 inches. The spikes grow to twice that length. Several mosquito grass plants planted in groups create a particularly striking display; about eight grass plants fit into one square meter. Then, the “swarm of flowers” really comes into its own.
You should choose neighboring plants that can cope with the same conditions. The picturesque mosquito grass fits perfectly into a natural or prairie garden, is a beautiful eye-catcher on a roof garden, and even adds some looseness to a stony gravel garden.
Optimal care for mosquito grass
Once well-established, mosquito grass requires minimal care in garden beds or containers. However, you should pay attention to the following things:
Watering
For both garden beds and pots, young mosquito grasses should be watered regularly during their first year after planting. Once the ornamental grasses have taken root, they can cope well with dry periods and only need to be watered from time to time. Both young plants and older grasses do not tolerate one thing: waterlogging.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing is not necessary. On the contrary, the basically robust mosquito grass suffers from too frequent fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning is not typically necessary for these deciduous grasses. If you do, you should only cut the grass back close to the ground with clean secateurs in early spring. Pruning in the fall would be a shame in several respects. The blades are a true visual delight when covered with hoar frost. There is also a risk of rotting if too much moisture and wetness get into the cut-back parts of the plant. Moreover, many small garden animals find shelter from the winter cold under the leaves and tufts of grass that have not been cut back.
Propagation
Bouteloua gracilis can be sown in spring. You can also propagate it by separating the spiky shoots. In the fall or spring, it can also be propagated by dividing the root tubers with a sharp garden knife. Then, dig the divided tubers back into the soil.
Frost protection
The ornamental grass is partially hardy. This hardy plant can even withstand frosty temperatures down to about -17 degrees Celsius (1 degree Fahrenheit). Ornamental grass in containers is best protected from freezing with a fleece covering.
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Diseases and pests
Mosquito grass is robust and resistant to pests and plant diseases. Only too much moisture or waterlogging will cause root rot.