Fountain Grass

Fountain Grass Care

Pennisetum Setaceum

What is the plant

Purple fountain grass—named for the arcing spikes of purplish flowers that gracefully spray out of its mass of long, slender, burgundy-colored leaves—is not a very cold-hardy plant, but it is well worth growing in the north—even if you can enjoy it for only two seasons out of the year. It is more expensive than other plants grown as annuals but this plant will delight you with a showy, multi-faceted display. A clump-forming ornamental grass variety, it is a tropical plant that both deer-resistant ornamental grass, and non-invasive.

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Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

min 9a

Difficulty

Easy

Toxicity

Poisonous

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Purple fountain grass is considered a drought-tolerant ornamental grass. Water once or twice a week until plants are established. Give time for the soil to dry to the touch between each watering. In areas that receive rain occasionally, you will not need to water the grass once it has become established. If you are cursed with a soil that is somewhat waterlogged, try a sedge grass instead.
Fertilizer
Fountain grass is hardy and grows fairly well in poor soil, but fertilizer will boost its growth. The grass will need additional nutrients when flowering. During that time (generally, the summer), use a general-purpose, slow-release fertilizer.
Sunlight
This grass will tolerate some light shade though it prefers full sunlight. Look for an area in your garden that receives full sun, as the plant prefers warmer conditions.

Disease diagnosis

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Soil
Purple fountain grasses can do well in many types of soil as long as it is well-draining. Loamy soil provides the best results.
Temperature
If your winter temperatures remain above 20 degrees Fahrenheit, then purple fountain grass can be grown as a perennial and cut back in early spring each year. New growth will initiate as the temperatures climb.
Popularity
1,853 people already have this plant 471 people have added this plant to their wishlists