While purple fountain grass is considered a drought-tolerant ornamental grass, it should still be watered consistently as it's getting established in your landscape. Luckily, purple fountain grass isn't too picky about its soil conditions. Place it in a pot with good drainage holes in a quality potting soil. Purple fountain grass does well in most types of soil, including poor soil. Even if a grass becomes too large during the growing season, they can be pruned for shape. The plants may readily self-seed in the garden, but root division is a faster and more reliable form of propagation. It is recommended that you prune this plant or ornamental grass at least once a year, preferably in late winter or early fall, just before the prime growing season for the plant. Q. Purple Fountain Grass/Snail Vine Cold Damage We went through a sub-30's freeze a few weeks ago (San Joaquin Valley, CA) and all my purple fountain grass and snail vines froze. Press the soil in firmly and water well. Expect to grow purple fountain grass as an annual in regions with very cold winters, as in USDA zones 1 through 7. Divide the grass during its growing season in spring through summer. 2011-11-01 20:08:59. Hardiness Zones: 5-9; Appearance: It has a lovely arching shape, as well as beautiful, bright flowers.. Once the grass turns brown it can either be removed immediately or removed in the spring. A: This is one of the less cold-hardy ornamental grasses, so it depends on how harsh a winter we have. You can also mass several of the plants together to create a visually beautiful border or privacy screen. Unlike the species, this cultivar does not reseed. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Look for an area in your garden where it will receive bright light at least 6 to 8 hours a day. Purple fountain grass is an ornamental grass that is drought tolerant. I cut them back … from the top of the pot and stick it in a sunny window in a cool room. Positive: On Sep 30, 2002, jkom51 from Oakland, CA (Zone 9b) wrote: In coastal northern California (U.S.), this reaches amazing height and width. Meanwhile, those in colder zones will have to make do with enjoying purple fountain grass's vivid color and striking, vase-shaped form throughout the late spring, summer, and fall—unless they don't mind going through the trouble of overwintering it indoors. It has a fast growth rate and is best planted in spring. These are just a few of the magical fountain grasses that we can grow but I guess I really should mention the purple fountain grass, Pennisetum Rubrum, which is quite stunning in its all reddish/purple ensemble of stem leaf and flower. I have Purple Fountain Grass, and I guess you could call it a perennial if you are willing to cut back the "winter kill" and let it re-grow. Grow purple fountain grass in full sun for best color. It beats having to re-plant something every year. I will prune the dead stems out of a plant during the extreme hot weather. Beautiful as a landscape specimen or planted in groups. Purple fountain grass is native to Africa, Asia and areas of the Middle East. Fountain grasses (and most other grasses) have a manner of growth that allows it to be cut back without harming the plant. A popular drought tolerant grass that forms a tidy, dense clump of purplish maroon blades topped with rose-red plumes. See Answer. Plant as a specimen or en masse for a stunning display of color. It is a perennial in areas where the temperature does not drop below 20 degrees F … It has long, purple coloured, foxtail like flowers pretty much most of the year, (except in the dead of winter). The graceful, purple plumes make good cut or dried flowers. Trimming back muhly grasses too late in summer can prevent the production of the wispy white or pink flower plumes, which are the most ornamental parts of the grass. Rubrum is a warm-season grass. Beautiful as a landscape specimen or planted in groups. Ornamental grasses come in perennial and annual varieties and will change color as they prepare for colder temperatures. Does purple fountain grass come back each year? I live in Oklahoma, zone 7 I believe, and I have beautiful purple fountain grass growing this year. This will allow you to enjoy the playful foliage for years to come. In areas where it is perennial, cut it back to the ground in early spring. Place the plant near a sunny window in a heated room. In cold-winter areas, purple fountain grass does not need pruning. In warmer zones such as yours and mine which is 9b the purple fountain grass is grown as a perennial. In areas where purple fountain grass is being grown as a perennial, it should be cut back to just a few inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to ensure a full and healthy plant. Nearly all ornamental grasses can be cut back anytime from early fall to late Spring. It is relatively drought-tolerant but does better with rain or a deep watering every two weeks. You can bring fountain grass plants inside and save them in the basement, garage, or other semi-cool area. The relatively wide and shallow roots of the grass are no match for freezing temperatures. There are a few determining factors that come into play when making the the decision weather to cut the purple fountain grass back or,to completely remove it from your landscape. by jbaby7162000 on August 08, 2006 03:47 PM During that time (typically the summer), feed it monthly with a general-purpose, slow-release fertilizer. This grassy evergreen plant can make a statement in any garden with its, exceptionally graceful long purple-burgundy foliage together with its wispy feathery purple pink plumes. 2015-04-16 Dividing in fall will not give the new plants a chance to develop an adequate root system to survive through winter. Learn how to winter over fountain grass in containers. grassgranny. I pruned this fountain grass rubrum right back to 5-10 cm sticks autumn-wiinter last year as advised by supplerr. Since mature plants can reach about four feet tall and just as wide, they should be given plenty of room in the garden, spacing additional plants at least three to five feet apart. Purple fountain grass is a tender perennial that is often treated as an annual, and it can be expensive to replace, so it isn't always a suitable replacement for the hardy Japanese blood grass. One is huge so I'm planning on cutting it low once it starts to die down and mulching over it in an attempt to keep the roots from dying and hopefully it'll come back next year. No sign of new growth at all yet. i'm z. If you’re looking for a truly stunning landscape plant with dramatic foliage and long, attractive flower stalks, purple fountain grass is a spectacular choice. Wear gloves and long sleeves, as the leaves can be quite sharp. Unlike the species, this cultivar does not reseed. These books are made available through the RHS … Plants in cold zones should be dug up. Loamy soil often provides the best results, but the plant can do well in many types of mixtures, so long as they're well-draining. In cooler climates it is grown as an annual as it will die back with a fair amount of frost but regrows new foliage in the spring. Soil & Fertilizing. Furthermore, for safety reasons, wait for a windless day and, before starting the burn, water all nearby non-grass plantings, soaking their leaves and stems. The beauty of purple fountain grass makes it popular as a focal point in a mixed planting, and it is often used in container gardens. Designing with Grasses by Neil Lucas (Timber Press ISBN 13: 978-0-88192-983-6) The Plantfinder's Guide to Ornamental Grasses by Roger Grounds (David & Charles Publishers ISBN 0 7153 0638 3) The Color Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses by Rick Darke (Timber Press ISBN 0-88192-464-4). Cut back the dried foliage of fountain grass in very late winter after the seed heads are tattered or no ; longer attractive: this is one of the strongest aesthetic attributes of ornamental grasses. Fountain grass grows fairly well in poor soil, but fertilizer will boost its growth and provide the additional nutrients it needs when flowering. A clump-forming ornamental grass variety, it is … It thrives in zones nine and higher and can survive in zones seven and eight, but grasses planted in zones six and lower rarely carry through from one year … Easy to Overwinter Like most ornamental grasses, purple fountain grass does best when you cut it back drastically to remove old leaves. Purple fountain grass is aptly-named for the arcing spikes of purplish flowers that gracefully spray out of its mass of long, slender, burgundy-colored leaves. At least that's what I do. However, ornamental grass problems can sometimes be seen in a plant's coloring. Fountain grass is a spectacular ornamental specimen that provides movement and color to the landscape. 2015-04-16 This ornamental has astounding inflorescences that look like purple squirrel tales. One is huge so I'm planning on cutting it low once it starts to die down and mulching over it in an attempt to keep the roots from dying and hopefully it'll come back next year. As long as there are no freezing temperatures and moderate light, the plant will survive winter. The grass is now half-way cut back; it is easier to see what you are doing, and to avoid damaging any young green shoots coming up through the lower part of the clump You can now cut the clump back to a few centimetres from ground level, leaving a hairy tuft through which the new growth can come up easily without getting tangled with the old stems. It will revert to green coloration and won’t look like much for the winter, but when it goes back outside in the spring, it should come back. If you do have the right to do so, any burning should be done in early spring, when the ground is still quite moist. The dark purple stems and bronzy plumes make handsome companions for green, pink, and purple plants. Fountain grass. Top Answer. Come to the end of the summer, purple seedheads emerge and fade to a bronze color. Use pruners or a scythe to cut the leaves straight across, four to six inches up from the base of the plant. A 1-gallon plant planted in April became 6' tall and 4' wide by the first of August. Fountain grass plants are perennial in the warmer climates but to save them in cooler areas try taking care of fountain grass indoors. Purple Fountain Grass is a beautiful ornamental grass with striking burgundy foliage throughout the year. However, you can fertilize this sun-loving plant with any general-purpose fertilizer if you wish. Additionally, the grass has no special humidity needs. The arching leaves that radiate from the center of the plant give it its name. As long as you do not damage the crown, trimming the top should not harm the grass. That being said, there are a few more common issues you should keep an eye out for when planting this ornamental in your landscape. Sign up for our newsletter. They are a tough and hardy grass that will add a … Unlike the species, this cultivar does not reseed. The Pennisetum purpureum 'Princess Caroline', the perennial variety of ornamental purple fountain grass, is on the other hand well suited to tolerate zone 8 weather conditions, and in most cases, will return to full aesthetic value as soon as the weather conditions warm up. In contrast, the new P. setaceum ‘Prince’ has come back, albeit slowly, in my garden for two years running. The most common, fungus, is due to trapped moisture or humidity between the dense clumps of grass, so make sure to place your plants several feet apart from one another to increase airflow. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. A popular drought tolerant grass that forms a tidy, dense clump of purplish maroon blades topped with rose-red plumes. This grass is non-invasive, grown in clumps, and is suitable for many areas around the house like border plants or stand-alone specimen plants. Put purple fountain grass in containers in late summer to early fall, so you are prepared to bring them inside when freezes threaten. Easy Come, Easy Go. Where temperatures get colder than 20 degrees F, the plants should be treated as annuals. Growing purple fountain grass is easy. The pot should be slightly wider than the root base. Pruning the plant is important to trim away the dead foliage. You can put purple fountain grass in containers and bring them indoors where it’s warm. I cut them back to ground level. Positive: On Sep 30, 2002, jkom51 from Oakland, CA (Zone 9b) wrote: In coastal northern California (U.S.), this reaches amazing height and width. Once the grass turns brown in the fall you can cut it back to the ground whenever you would like. There are many species of the grass genus Pennisetum, including the agronomic crops pearl millet and elephant grass (used for forage and now for biofuel), plus numerous landscape ornamentals, including ‘Purple Majesty’ ornamental millet (P. glaucum).. Fountain grass, P. alopecuroides, is a perennial ornamental grass, with various cultivars hardy from zone 4 or 5 through 10. Thanks. But they didn’t come back this year. Will it come back? Most zones can only grow this plant as an annual, but bringing purple fountain grass inside can save it for another season. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, Purple fountain grass, red fountain grass. photo by Roger Klemm. Purple fountain grass Pennisetum species advena Rubrum is one of the most popular types of weeping ornamental grass used by gardeners in Australia. Since mature plants can reach about five feet tall (and nearly as wide), they should be given plenty of room in the garden with at least 3 feet between plants. To cut back the plant in spring, gather the leaves of each plant, and bind them with a rope or bungee cord. When it comes to purple fountain grass, pruning the plant is extremely important. grassgranny. Water new plants once or twice a week, allowing time for the soil to dry to the touch between each watering. Dig down and pop out the whole plant. Purple Fountain Grass a favorite for color, grace and ease of control. Like most ornamental grasses, purple fountain grass can be planted nearly any time of year, though you'll get the most successful establishment in spring. The growing point (meristem) of the plant is in the crown, at the base of the plant. source. Clip the foliage down to about 3 inches (8 cm.) Purple fountain grass does not typically need to be fertilized, especially when grown as an annual. Asked by Wiki User. Pennisetum Setaceum: A Grass for All Seasons . Comb through the trimmed leaves by hand to remove any additional dead blades and debris. Read more articles about Purple Fountain Grass. A 1-gallon plant planted in April became 6' … The standard way to prune purple fountain grass is to cut it back severely in late winter or early spring before it begins its new growth. New growth will initiate as the temperatures begin to climb. Ornamental Grass Care – Cutting Back In The Winter. Cut back the dried foliage of fountain grass in very late winter after the seed heads are tattered or no ; longer attractive: this is one of the strongest aesthetic attributes of ornamental grasses. You can also divide the roots and plant each section to start new plants. I’ve tried planting a few different types but after winter they never came back. Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum', commonly known as fountain grass or purple fountain grass, has been increasingly popular as both an accent plant and focal point in many landscape designs.Although Pennisetum setaceum's growing seasons are summer and fall, in some parts of the western United States where temperatures remain above 20 degrees, it … Do this when you bring it indoors, cutting back both flowers and leaves to about 2 or 3 inches (3-5 cm) high. Click to see full answer Also question is, will my purple fountain grass come back? You can also selectively trim dead foliage and perform some light shaping on the plant any time of the year. In areas that receive rain occasionally, you will not need to water the grass once it has become established—areas that are particularly dry or hot may need the occasional watering. Fountain grass plants may get two to five feet (1-1.5 m.) tall, in a clumping habit. This is just to make the chore of cutting back fountain grass a little easier because you won’t have to clean up all the fallen stems. It is a tough, vigorous plant that will tolerate adverse conditions of heat and drought. Cutting back will also decrease the fire danger as fountain grass turns brown and dry in winter and becomes extremely flammable. It needs a sunny location with well-draining soil. A great addition to containers and beds near your patio or deck. The first step when you trim fountain grass back is to tie up the dead stems. An herbaceous perennial grass in mild winter regions; provides quick annual color in … Grow Purple Fountain Grass. Mature fountain grass plants may get up to four feet (1 m.) wide. It's cold-weather hardy down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, so if your area remains about that temperature, then you can grow the grass as a perennial and cut it back in early spring each year. Gently excavate until you find the edge of the root mass. If, in your neck of the woods, this plant is ever-purple, cut it back in late winter or early spring to encourage lots of fresh, attractive growth. Plants should be watered a couple of times per week until the plant has established itself. This eliminates dead foliage and improves air circulation and sun exposure to stimulate the growth of new leaves. 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Growing Conditions: This plant does well in most conditions, but a little extra fertilizer will help it to truly flourish.It also doesn’t need to be watered regularly unless … Because of its height, it is often used as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. If you’re not in zones 9-11, plan to replant each spring unless you put it in a container and overwinter it indoors. Why doesn’t my ornamental grass come back? Plant as a specimen or en masse for a stunning display of color. Cutting back will also decrease the fire danger as fountain grass turns brown and dry in winter and becomes extremely flammable. It is more expensive than other plants grown as annuals but this plant will delight you with a showy, multi-faceted display. Books. Spreading gr… Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Annual grasses live for only one growing season because of their natural growth habit or they are not hardy in our climate.Grasses have growth habits that are either clumping or spreading. 'Fireworks' … Wiki User Answered . They can survive in the ground and come back as long as it does not get colder than 20 degrees F. However, it sometimes takes a while before it comes out of dormancy, which should happen sometime in late spring to early summer. Dig out several inches (8 cm.) Put purple fountain grass in containers in late summer to early fall, so you are prepared to bring them inside when freezes threaten. Short video on how to prune back & divide your Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum rubra). Additionally, you may notice the likes of slugs and snails around your grass, but don't stress—while they may occasionally eat the foliage, they're unlikely to cause serious, long-lasting damage. If you have perennial, ornamental grasses like muhly, miscanthus or pennisetum, they should be pruned in February, right before new spring growth BUT if mine gets raggedy from lack of moisture, I prune them anytime. Purple fountain grass is disease and pest free. Apparently, it just isn't very hardy. The good news: Purple fountain grass is pretty resistant to pests and diseases. Bringing Purple Fountain Grass Inside. Taking care of fountain grass indoors is not difficult, but you need to be careful not to overwater the plant. Fountain Grass flowers are in shades of purple, pink, or tan; they grow from late summer right through fall. Answered. Learn more about pruning ornamental grasses. 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. Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum, setaceum) is a perennial plant in Sunset Zones 8-24 (USDA zones 9 or higher) but in colder areas with heavy frost, it is usually grown as an annual.It is native to South Africa, southwestern Asia, … Purple fountain grassnamed for the arcing spikes of purplish flowers that gracefully spray out of its mass of long, slender, burgundy-colored leavesis not a very cold-hardy plant, but it is well worth growing in the northeven if you can enjoy it for only two seasons out of the year. Put purple fountain grass in containers in late summer to early fall, so you are prepared to bring them inside when freezes threaten. Scientific Name: Pennisetum; Size: Ranges from 12 inches to 3 feet tall. However, you can fertilize this sun-loving plant with any general-purpose fertilizer if you wish. Kathleen Miller is a Master Gardener and Horticulturist with over 30 years experience in gardening and sustainable farming. Will it come back? It will revert to green coloration and won’t look like much for the winter, but when it goes back outside in the spring, it should come back. Maroon blades of grass retain their beautiful color from emergence in the spring until the late fall. wider than the farthest reach of the foliage. I live in Oklahoma, zone 7 I believe, and I have beautiful purple fountain grass growing this year. Purple tassles appear in summer. How to plant Golden Japanese Forest Grass (Hakone Grass), 13 Types of Colorful Ornamental Grass for Fall, 12 Best Ornamental Grasses for Your Landscape, 10 Best Ornamental Grasses for Containers, 8 Best Ornamental Grasses to Add Privacy to the Garden. ... a v. knowledgable local gardener once told me to plant this penn in all sand and it would come back. Colorful, upright growing grass with variegated stripes of white, green, burgundy and hot pink running the length of the blade. A: Common purple fountain grass will come back in South Georgia and Florida but not here.Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ rarely survives Atlanta winters. An herbaceous perennial grass in mild winter regions; provides quick annual color in any climate. Water and mulch before a freeze to protect the roots as … Purple tassles appear in summer. In cold-winter areas, purple fountain grass does not need pruning. Because the autumn seed heads of this plant are so attractive, purple fountain grass, like maiden grass, is very useful in fall flower gardens. In zone 9-11 it has its redish colored leaves year round with it blooming during the summer. First you will need to ask yourself if the cultivar of ornamental grass you have chosen is a perennial type grass, or a annual type. One of the perks of purple fountain grass is just how versatile it is when it comes to temperature conditions. Purple Fountain Grass a favorite for color, grace and ease of control. Unlike the species, this cultivar does not reseed. Bringing Purple Fountain Grass Inside. Ornamental grasses refers to both true grasses and plants that have a grass-like appearance, such as sedges, that are used for similar purposes in gardens.Most ornamental grasses are perennials, living for two or more years. It will revert to green coloration and won’t look like much for the winter, but when it goes back outside in the spring, it should come back. Q. Purple Fountain Grass/Snail Vine Cold Damage We went through a sub-30's freeze a few weeks ago (San Joaquin Valley, CA) and all my purple fountain grass and snail vines froze. The feathery seed heads (or "plumes") can later be cut for dried flower arrangements. When planting, be sure to dig a hole both deep and wide enough to accommodate the roots, and water your purple fountain grass thoroughly after planting. Once the threat of freezing and frost has passed in spring, you can set the purple fountain grass back outdoors. The purple fountain grass is particularly slow to produce its "foxtails" and I thought if I could winter it over in the garage or basement, I'd save money and have a head start on next year. Purple fountain grass is an annual grass in Parker County but sometimes pennisetum is known as fountain grass so make sure you have the true purple fountain grass and not some other ornamental grass. And stay nearby, hose in hand, to extinguish any stray spark. Purple Fountain Grass is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. In areas where it is perennial, cut it back to the ground in early spring. In the fall and winter, keep the soil just barely moist, watering only enough to keep it from going bone dry. Once the threat of freezing weather and frost has passed in spring, you can set the purple fountain grass back … And drought cutting back in the winter mine which is 9b the purple fountain grass does not reseed gardening how... 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