Chestnut Nursery - Succulents & grasses

SUCCULENTS & GRASSES

Chestnut Nursery now stock a growing range of succulents and ornamental grasses for your garden

While succulents are native to arid regions and generally thrive in poor soils, it does not mean one should not water them or provide nutrients.

Most cactus and succulents have an active period about 1/3 of the year. During this active period watering can be frequent and fertilizer applied. The most active time for most cacti is during the spring and early parts of summer. As winter approaches they require very little water during the cold months.

A good watering once a week in hot weather and once a month in the dormant period is a good point to start as you learn your plants needs. Another approach is when the soil is completely dry, water thoroughly then let dry. If in doubt, don’t water

grasses

Selection of succulents

ORNAMENTAL GRASSES

Cool-season grasses: Like cool season lawn grasses, these ornamental grasses do most of their growing in spring when temperatures are cool and moisture is plentiful

Warm season grasses: Warm-season grasses like maiden grass Miscanthus species and fountain grass (Pennisetum species and cultivars) require patience. They're slow to get growing, but thrive in temperatures from 75° to 85°F (24 to 30C°). Most come into flower in late summer or early fall.

The best way to deal with their spring tardiness is to surround them with tulips or daffodils for spring color before they get growing. Then as the grasses start to grow, they do a nice job of camouflaging the bulb foliage as it dies back.