fountain grass

Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Red Riding Hood') should be watered deeply and infrequently. During the summer, water the plant approximately once a week and provide enough water to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the winter, reduce watering to once every 3 weeks or so and make sure the soil is dry between waterings. In general, avoid allowing the soil to become completely dry. If the tips of the leaves appear wilted or dry, water immediately. In general, 1 to 1-1/2 inches of water is sufficient to keep the grass healthy.

Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Red Riding Hood') needs full or partial sun to grow well and flower profusely. It should get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day, and can handle even more in hot climates. If kept in shades, it will not flower as much and will become spindly. Morning sunlight is preferable as it helps protect the plant from sunburn later in the day.

Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Red Riding Hood') should be pruned in early spring before the new growth appears. This will help to keep the grass healthy and promote bushier growth. Remove any dead or damaged stems down to the base of the plant. The strongest, healthiest stems should be left and new growth will appear from the base. Pruning should also be done periodically throughout the summer to help promote air circulation and reduce disease risk. When doing summer pruning, remove only 1-third of the stems at a time. This will help promote the natural shape of the plant while still providing enough space for air to flow.