fountain grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Rocket'
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:
red,brown Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Leaf Color:
green,red
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Drought Tolerant:
Yes
Salt Tolerant:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Fountain grass should be watered on a weekly basis. Water the plant deeply and allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry before watering again. Under most conditions, it is best to give a deep watering every 7-10 days. During prolonged hot, dry spells, increased watering may be necessary, depending on how quickly the soil dries. Avoid over-watering the grass as too much water can promote root rot. In general, fountain grass should be watered until the soil is moist, but not soggy.
sunlight
Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Rocket') grows best in full sun, which means it should receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. This species of grass will tolerate partial shade, but it is likely to not bloom as prolifically as it would in full sunlight. When grown in partial shade, it may also become taller or get thin and floppy. When planting fountain grass, ensure that it is exposed to full sun for most of the day, preferably in the morning or early afternoon.
pruning
Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Rocket') should be pruned in the springtime, as soon as new growth starts to emerge. This generally occurs in mid-April or early May. To prune, use a sharp pair of shears and remove old, dead stems, or seed heads. There should not be a need to prune more than a third of the foliage at a given time. Following this spring pruning, it can be beneficial to give the plant a light trim in the summer if needed.
