About Purple Fountain Grass While purple fountain grass is known as a perennial, it is actually considered a tender perennial. Therefore, it is important that this be a consideration prior to planting purple fountain grass, as the likelihood of its return each year in zones 6 or lower is slim to none.

Likewise, people ask, how do you keep fountain grass purple in the winter?

Easy to Overwinter Like most ornamental grasses, purple fountain grass does best when you cut it back drastically to remove old leaves. Do this when you bring it indoors, cutting back both flowers and leaves to about 2 or 3 inches (3-5 cm) high. Place the plant near a sunny window in a heated room.

Also Know, 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.

Regarding this, how do you revive purple fountain grass?

Gently remove loose soil from the roots and place the plant in a container with at least 3 inches of potting soil in the bottom. Water thoroughly and allow the pot to drain. Fill the container with soil, water again and place your fountain grass in a sunny location. Water regularly and watch for new growth.

Will ornamental grasses survive 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.

Can you split purple fountain grass?

You can best transplant and/or divide up the clump in the fall before dormancy or in the spring when the plant is beginning to re-grow.

What grows well with purple fountain grass?

The leaves of cannas contrast nicely with purple fountain grass. If you are growing your purple fountain grass in a pot, move the container in front of oakleaf hydrangea in the fall. The purplish fall foliage and contrasting texture of the latter will provide an effective backdrop.

Is purple fountain grass toxic to cats?

Purple fountain grass is not considered toxic to cats and should not produce symptoms associated with plant poisoning. However, Pawprints and Purrs states that any plant material can produce uncomfortable symptoms if ingested.

Are ornamental grasses annuals or perennials?

Ornamental grasses may be annuals or perennials; short or tall; spring or fall flowering; prolific self-seeders or sterile; invasive spreaders or well-behaved clump-formers. They add two elements to the the garden that are not provided by many other plants: movement and sound.

Is purple fountain grass poisonous 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.

Is firecracker grass a perennial?

'Fireworks' is a showy, medium-sized variegated cultivar of purple fountain grass grown as an annual in most areas since it is hardy only in zones 9-10. Growing in clumps, this warm season herbaceous grass remains evergreen in mild climates, but will die back to the ground in cold conditions.

What grows well with fountain grass?

Companion Plants for Short Ornamental Grasses Alyssum -- Annuals and perennials with lots of tiny flowers in several colors. Aster alpinus -- Spring-blooming perennial with lavender-blue flowers. Campanula carpatica -- Blue bellflowers on short plants. Perennial.

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.

Do ornamental grasses have deep roots?

Clump Root System Large ornamental grass plants may have roots that grow 12 to 18 inches deep. Leave at least one eye bud on each clump division for the plant to continue growing.

Why does fountain grass die?

As a warm season grass, older fountain grass growth responds by dying back. Other browning fountain grass causes may be overwatering, excess fertilizer, pot bound plants or burning caused by searing sunlight. Most of these causes are easy to remedy and should not affect the overall health of the plant significantly.

Does Fountain grass need full sun?

Established plants do not need regular watering, except during periods of drought. Fountain grass does well in nearly any type of soil; however, for greater results, fountain grass should be planted in fertile, well-drained soil. Fountain grass enjoys full sun but tolerates some light shade.

How do you remove fountain grass?

However, your kitchen holds a secret weapon to removing this nuisance without herbicides.
  1. Cut any tall ornamental grass down to within 2 to 4 inches of ground level with pruning shears or scissors.
  2. Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle.
  3. Spray the homemade weed killer directly on the ornamental grass.

How do you harvest purple fountain grass seeds?

Acquire Your Seeds
  1. Buy enough purple fountain grass seeds to allow a several seeds per square inch of planting area or seedling pot.
  2. Prepare seedling pots with soil and plant several purple fountain grass seeds per pot about 1-inch deep.
  3. Sow seeds directly into ground soil after the last frost has passed.

How do you transplant fountain grass?

Whether division takes place in early spring or early fall, watering the ornamental grass' soil thoroughly about one hour before dividing the plant softens the ground. Cut the plant's foliage to about 6 inches tall. Using a sharp spade, dig all the way around the grass clump, and lift it from the ground.

Is there a dwarf purple fountain grass?

If the full-sized purple fountain grass is too big for your landscape, there is a dwarf version called 'Rubrum Dwarf' which only gets to about two and one-half feet tall. Now while the purple fountain grass is a perennial, it is also considered somewhat short-lived.

Can the purple fountain grass survive in the winter?

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). Once the threat of freezing weather and frost has passed in spring, you can set the purple fountain grass back outdoors.

How do you grow red fountain grass?

If growing from seed, water the soil frequently to keep it evenly moist. Plant fountain grass in an area that gets full sun for best results, although it can tolerate partial shade. Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve drainage. Plant fountain grass as a single specimen or in a mass planting.