Fountain grass is an attractive perennial grass with densely clumped growth. Blooming of its foxtail-looking flowers generally takes place from late summer through the fall. The small flowers of fountain grass are tan, pink or purple.
Does fountain grass come back every year?
It is hardy in USDA zone 8, but as a warm season grass, it will only grow as an annual in cooler areas . Fountain grass plants are perennial in the warmer climates but to save them in cooler areas try taking care of fountain grass indoors.
How do I know if I have fountain grass?
Leaves are bright green or purplish; these may turn reddish or tan with colder temperatures. Blades are long, slender, and arching (8–25 inches); sheath margin has stiff white hairs. Has a showy purplish, bottlebrush-like panicle (6–15 inches); spikelets have 1-inch long bristles.
Does fountain grass spread?
Fountain grass seeds may disperse readily from existing populations via wind, animals, and automobiles . Repeated introductions through landscape plantings are important in the spread of other invasive plants in California, and are likely important in range expansion of fountain grass.
Does fountain grass like full sun?
Fountain grass grows best in full sun and moist , well-drained, fertile soil, and is popular for use in mixed container gardens. These grasses are only cold hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 10.
What happens if you don’t Cut back ornamental grasses?
What Happens If You Don’t Cut Back the Ornamental Grasses? As mentioned above, you will find that the green is starting to grow through the brown . One problem that will create is that the brown will start creating seeds. Once grass has created seeds, there is a very good chance that the grass will die out.
Should fountain grass be cut back in winter?
The best time for when to trim fountain grass back is in the late winter or early spring . 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 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 I know if I have ornamental grass?
- Determine the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone for your area to narrow the types of ornamental grasses that can grow in your yard. ...
- Test your soil with a soil pH test kit. ...
- Evaluate the kind of sunlight and irrigation the ornamental grass has available.
How do I get rid of fountain grass?
Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle . Add two squirts of a mild dish soap. Close the lid tightly and shake the bottle to mix the ingredients. Spray the homemade weed killer directly on the ornamental grass.
Does fountain grass have deep roots?
Large ornamental grass plants may have roots that grow 12 to 18 inches deep . ... Clumping grasses include perennial fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), purple moor grass (Molinia litorialis) and purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum).
How long does it take for fountain grass to grow?
Propagating fountain grass: Fountain grass seeds, which must be started in late winter to be sizeable for spring planting, take 21 days to germinate when kept at 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is fountain grass toxic to dogs?
Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum).
Fountain grasses are considered nontoxic to pets and add height and beautiful blooms to flower gardens. You can feel at ease with these plants in your yard.
Do ornamental grasses need a lot of water?
How to Water Ornamental Grasses. Except for the water-loving varieties, most ornamental grasses won’t need extra water once they’ve become established . Water every other day after planting, gradually extending the time between watering. After 2 or 3 weeks, watering twice a week should be plenty.
What is the prettiest ornamental grass?
- Carex. ...
- Orange New Zealand Sedge. ...
- Mexican Feather Grass. ...
- Ornamental Millet. ...
- Umbrella Grass. ...
- Scottish Tufted Hair Grass. ...
- Purple Fountain Grass. ...
- Pink Muhly Grass. ‘Plumetastic’ Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) has a mounding growth habit, with green, grass-like foliage.
What time of year do you plant ornamental grasses?
Planting: Plant ornamental grasses in spring so they have time to get established before winter. You can also plant in fall in warmer parts of the country, where winters aren’t as severe.
