fountain grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'
Cycle:
Perennial
Watering:
Frequent
Propagation:
Seed Propagation
Hardiness Zone:
6 - 9
Flowers:
Silvery to pinkish-white Flowers In Summer
Sun:
Full sun, Part sun/part shade
Soil:
Acidic, Well-drained
Fruits:
Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
watering
Fountain grass grows best in slightly dry soil, so water on a consistent schedule. Water your fountain grass once to twice per week during the growing season, and reduce the frequency of watering to once every 2 weeks during the winter months when the plant is dormant. When watering, make sure to thoroughly soak the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, allowing the excess water to properly drain.
sunlight
Fountain grass plants prefer full sun, which means they will require at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day. In climates that experience strong sunlight, it may be beneficial to provide your fountain grass with some afternoon shade for a few hours. If your fountain grass receives less than 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, it may struggle to develop its full growth potential.
pruning
Fountain grass should be pruned annually in early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning encourages new growth, particularly at the start of the season, and it keeps the grass looking its best. The time for pruning may vary depending on climate, with the warmer climates needing to wait longer than those with cold climates. To properly prune fountain grass, remove the dead and long stems, cutting back at least 1 third of the foliage. Allow the grass to then regrow and it will be lush and full come summer.
