fountain grass varieties

Varieties: Our Favorites

• Burgundy Bunny Fountain Grass. Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Burgundy Bunny' ...
• Cassian's Choice Fountain Grass. Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Cassian's Choice' ...
• Hameln Fountain Grass. Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' ...
• Karley Rose Fountain Grass. Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose' ...
• Little Bunny Fountain Grass.

1. Is fountain grass a perennial or annual?
2. Does Fountain grass come back every year?
3. Is red fountain grass the same as purple fountain grass?
4. How wide does fountain grass get?
5. What happens if you don't Cut back ornamental grasses?
6. Should fountain grass be cut back in winter?
7. Is fountain grass toxic to dogs?
8. Does dwarf fountain grass spread?
9. Does Fountain grass spread?
10. Does purple fountain grass need full sun?
11. Should I cut back purple fountain grass?
12. Is there a dwarf purple fountain grass?
13. How far apart do you plant fountain grass?
14. How wide does Karl Foerster grass get?
15. Is fountain grass invasive?
16. Do ornamental grasses need to be cut back every year?
17. How do you keep ornamental grasses from getting too big?
18. Do ornamental grasses die in winter?
19. How do you winterize purple fountain grass?
20. How do you maintain fountain grass?
21. What perennials should not be cut back in the fall?

Is fountain grass a perennial or annual?

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 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.

Is red fountain grass the same as purple fountain grass?

Pennisetum setaceum is a tender perennial fountain grass that is native to Africa, southeast Asia and the Middle East. ... 'Rubrum', sometimes commonly called purple or red fountain grass, is a burgundy-red leaved cultivar that is not invasive under any circumstances because, unlike the species, it rarely sets seed.

How wide does fountain grass get?

Fountaingrass

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.

Should fountain grass be cut back in winter?

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.

Is fountain grass toxic to dogs?

While purple fountain grass doesn't contain any known toxins, the addition of strange roughage to your dog's stomach can cause irritation, including vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, some dogs develop allergies to certain plants.

Does dwarf fountain grass spread?

Dwarf Fountain Grass Basics

When you're ready to plant, choose an area with full sun, well-drained soil and plenty of space, since they spread out as they grow. When planting from seed, keep the soil evenly moist with frequent watering.

Does Fountain grass spread?

Plant fountain grass as a single specimen or in a mass planting. Give it plenty of room to spread. Fountain grass can tolerate some drought once established, but it really prefers slightly moist soil.

Does purple fountain grass need full sun?

Light. Purple fountain grass will tolerate some light shade, but it prefers to be planted in full sunlight.

Should I 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.

Is there a dwarf purple fountain grass?

Dwarf Purple Pennisetum Plant (Fountain Grass)

The Dwarf Purple Pennisetum (Fountain Grass) Plant is a smaller ornamental with a coarser leaf texture and chocolate-purple plums which eventually fade to light brown. It's ideal for mixed container gardens to add height and texture and for small beds and borders.

How far apart do you plant fountain grass?

Spacing: Space ornamental grass 1 to 3 feet apart depending on the variety. If you want your grasses to form a solid wall of greenery, plant closer together.

How wide does Karl Foerster grass get?

Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass

Is fountain grass invasive?

Fountain grass is present in much of the western United States and is a big problem invasive species in Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and California. It is regulated as a noxious weed only in Hawaii, where it alters the fire cycle to the detriment of native plant and animal species.

Do ornamental grasses need to be cut back every year?

First Ornamental Grass Rule of Thumb: Cut back warm season grasses in fall or by mid to late spring. ... Not all ornamental grasses look good through the winter, trim back those that don't look good in the fall. Second Ornamental Grass Rule of Thumb: Cut back cool season grasses in very early spring.

How do you keep ornamental grasses from getting too big?

Dig out sections of roots to root prune ornamental grasses. Jab the point of the shovel around the perimeter of the crown of the grass and remove as much as you want to keep the grass in check. Regular pruning will keep ornamental grasses from taking up too much space, but only for three to five years.

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.

How do you winterize purple fountain grass?

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.

How do you maintain fountain grass?

Care of fountain grass is easy as well. It's sometimes helpful to cut back the foliage in the spring prior to growth. Although not specifically a requirement for fountain grass, fertilizer can be applied as growth resumes in the spring. Established plants do not need regular watering, except during periods of drought.

What perennials should not be cut back in the fall?

Don't cut back marginally hardy perennials like garden mums (Chrysanthemum spp.), anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), red-hot poker (Kniphofia uvaria), and Montauk daisy (Nipponanthemum nipponicum).