CorseMachin | Growing Purple Fountain Grass - How To Take Care Of Purple Fountain Grass

Caring for purple fountain grass is also easy. The plant is drought tolerant so watering sufficiently every week or two should be adequate. Although not required, you can give it an annual feeding with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring to help stimulate new growth.

Do you cut back purple fountain grass?
How do you fertilize purple fountain grass?
Does Fountain grass need to be cut back?
How do you protect purple fountain grass in the winter?
What happens if you don't Cut back ornamental grasses?
Does purple fountain grass grow back every year?
Does purple fountain grass die back in winter?
Is purple fountain grass toxic to dogs?
What looks good with purple fountain grass?
How do you rejuvenate ornamental grass?
How do you prune purple fountain grass?
Do ornamental grasses die in winter?

Do you cut back purple fountain grass?

When To Cut Back Purple Fountain Grass

The best time to trim the purple grass is in the early spring or late winter. Although exact timing is not very important, make sure you prune the pennisetum grass before it starts growing actively. Avoid pruning during the fall as the grass has not yet dried back all the way.

How do you fertilize purple fountain grass?

Fertilizer. Fountain grass grows fairly well in poor soil, but fertilizer will boost its growth and provide the additional nutrients it needs when flowering. During that time (typically the summer), feed it monthly with a general-purpose, slow-release fertilizer.

Does Fountain grass need to be cut back?

The best time when to trim fountain grass back is in the late winter or early spring. The exact timing is not as important as just making sure that you prune fountain grass back before it starts actively growing. You want to avoid doing fountain grass pruning in the fall, as the plant has not yet died back all the way.

How do you protect purple fountain grass in the winter?

Red or purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum') is hardy in zones 8 to 11 so it will not survive Wisconsin winters. Some gardeners have had success digging and potting up the plants to overwinter indoors. Keep the plants in a cool, not freezing, dark location with slightly moist soil.

What happens if you don't Cut back ornamental grasses?

This is for emergencies only, though. They don't appreciate harsh pruning and this could weaken or even kill them if you repeat it annually. The majority of commonly grown ornamental grasses, however, are deciduous. Their foliage dies and turns brown in the fall, but often remains standing.

Does purple fountain grass grow back every year?

About Purple Fountain Grass

While purple fountain grass is known as a perennial, it is actually considered a tender perennial. This ornamental grass cannot survive cold winters and is hardy only in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9 and warmer (though in Zones 7-8 it can sometimes reappear given adequate winter protection).

Does purple fountain grass die back in winter?

Bringing Purple Fountain Grass Inside

As long as there are no freezing temperatures and moderate light, the plant will survive winter. Gradually acclimate the plant to warmer conditions and higher light during spring by putting the pot outside for longer and longer periods over a week's time.

Is purple fountain grass toxic to dogs?

Toxicity. The Pawprints and Purrs website identifies purple fountain grass as nontoxic to pets. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals does not list purple fountain grass among the plants hazardous to dogs.

What looks good with purple fountain grass?

Vertigo fountain grass and Supertunia Vista petunias enjoy full sun and average moisture conditions. They are both heat tolerant. Add a bright splash of purple that lasts through fall in your landscape by combining annual purple fountain grass with cleome.

How do you rejuvenate ornamental grass?

Fertilize the grass after dividing or cutting back in spring. Apply 1/4 cup of a 10-10-10 fertilizer per plant. Sprinkle the fertilizer in a ring around the grass, at least six inches out from the base of the grass clump. Water thoroughly after fertilizing so the nutrients leech into the root zone.

How do you prune purple fountain grass?

Use sharp pruners or hedge clippers. You may need to re-sharpen them as grasses dull cutting blades. Grab the plant and tie a string or tape around it and cut straight across the plant 4-6 inches from the base. Using your hands or a tool, comb through the remaining plant to remove dead grass.

Do ornamental grasses die in winter?

Most ornamental grasses develop tall seed heads late in the summer that naturally persist through the winter. When temperatures start to drop the plant will die back, leaving the dried foliage, stalks, and seed heads. ... Many people enjoy the colors and movement that these elements provide in winter.