How far apart to plant ponytail grass

dangermousie

Hello, the spread dimension on websites is the top of the plant, so how wide does the clump get at the bottom? Or simply, how far apart should they be planted for maximum effect? Thanks

Plantminded

It depends what sort of effect you want to achieve, for example are you planning to block plant or interplant with other species?  Knoll gardens suggests a density of 3-5 plants per square metre, as shown here: Nassella tenuissima – Knoll Gardens | Ornamental Grasses and Flowering Perennials . 

I have some youngish plants, bought last year in 9cm pots, the base is currently about half the width of the vase shaped stems and flowers above when they are still.  It's worth giving them a bit of space though to enjoy the movement when it's windy!  From my experience in sandy soil, they don't expand outwards very quickly. This may differ in your soil or location.  Hope this helps.

PenfoldGW

 

dangermousie

Thanks @Plantminded! Great question. I'd like to have a row beside the path so that the toddlers can run their wee hands through it on the way to their playschool nearby.  I also have Festuca Glauca to go along the edge of the path, which I think also feels nice. I'm really struggling to decide on exact placement; alternating, clumps of x amount. The stretch of path is about 3m long. Thanks

GardenerSuze

I agree with @Plantminded they don't expand outwards that quickly. What you will find is if they are happy there will be some seedlings which you can move about as you wish. My soil is clay with the full heat of the sun. Over winter they can suffer but soon pick up. I should say that I have also added grit. I like to see a small group of them and then another nearby to look natural. Over time they find their own homes and make a better job of where they should be. 

Plantminded

Personally, I like to see plants rather than soil, so I've planted my young N. tenuissima about a foot apart.  If you have larger plants, say in 1 or 2 litre pots, I'd place them about 18 inches apart.  I'd space the Festuca glauca at similar distances, depending on current size.  Regarding layout, I'd suggest you place your plants in their pots first in your bed and experiment with alternating or other arrangements.  Go with what you and other members of your household like, especially the little ones!  Don't worry about making mistakes, these grasses are shallow rooted and don't mind being moved at any stage, preferably in Spring.  Mine remain semi-evergreen here as I have free draining sandy soil and we don't really get severe winters.  Enjoy your plants!

dangermousie

Thanks very much! It's good to know that I can fix it if I make a mistake I have 6 x 9cm pots, so they look quite sparce. But I don't want to spend what it costs for the big plants so I'll have to work with what I've got. My soil is loamy and in full sun. Other grasses nearby seemed to enjoy the drought so I hope these will be just as happy 

gjautos

Not going to answer your question. But the fact that dangermouse and penfold both commented on this thread made me chuckle.

dangermousie

It's no co-incidence They're both me! I had trouble with this account at some point and created Penfold. Sometimes it logs in as penfold and I don't notice, then facepalm when I reply as the sidekick. 

gjautos

dangermousie said:

It's no co-incidence They're both me! I had trouble with this account at some point and created Penfold. Sometimes it logs in as penfold and I don't notice, then facepalm when I reply as the sidekick. 

😔Well that ruined it for me!😂😂

dangermousie

I should have had way more fun with that before confessing! Opportunities lost