Ribbon grass does indeed spread, and it does so quite vigorously. One of the main ways that ribbon grass spreads is through its fast-growing rhizomes. Rhizomes are underground stems that have the ability to send out new shoots and roots. These rhizomes enable ribbon grass to rapidly expand its territory, making it a great ground cover option for areas where you want to fill in large spaces quickly.
While ribbon grass does produce seeds, it primarily relies on its rhizomes for propagation. This means that if you want to create new plants, it’s best to focus on the rhizomes rather than waiting for seeds to develop. Propagating ribbon grass from rhizomes can be done in the spring or fall, when the plant is actively growing.
To propagate ribbon grass from rhizomes, start by locating a healthy clump of the grass. Dig around the clump, being careful not to damage the rhizomes. Once you can access the rhizomes, you can either use a sharp knife or your hands to separate them into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one shoot and a portion of the rhizome attached.
Once you have divided the rhizomes, you can then plant them in a new location. Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds or debris. Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the rhizome section, and place it in the hole with the shoot facing upwards. Cover the rhizome with soil and gently firm it down. Water the newly planted rhizomes thoroughly to help them establish.
Another way to create new ribbon grass plants is by dividing healthy clumps. This method is similar to propagating from rhizomes, but instead of separating the rhizomes, you are dividing the entire clump into smaller sections. This can be done in the same way as described above, with each section containing shoots and a portion of the rhizome.
Dividing clumps of ribbon grass is best done in the spring or fall, when the plant is actively growing. It’s important to ensure that each division has enough roots and shoots to survive on its own. Once divided, the sections can be planted in a new location following the same steps as mentioned earlier.
In my own experience, I have found ribbon grass to be a highly effective ground cover for large areas. Its ability to spread through rhizomes allows it to fill in empty spaces relatively quickly. I have successfully propagated ribbon grass from rhizomes by carefully dividing healthy clumps. By following the steps mentioned above, I was able to create new plants and expand the coverage of ribbon grass in my garden.
Ribbon grass is a hardy and fast-spreading plant that can be easily propagated from rhizomes or by dividing healthy clumps. Its ability to quickly fill in large areas makes it a popular choice for ground cover. Whether you choose to propagate from rhizomes or divide clumps, both methods can be done in the spring or fall when the plant is actively growing.
