PlantDetails

Plant Code L4997

Botanical Name:Pennisetum alopecuroides

Common Name:Fountain Grass

Bloom Time:Summer to Fall

Water Wise:Yes

Deer Resistant:No

Growth Rate:Fast

Average Size:4' H x 4' W

Spacing:3-4'

Flower Color:Pink

Cold Hardiness:Zone 4
(-20 to -30°F)

Light:Full Sun
6+ Hours Direct Sun

Additional
Information

Successful growing requires excellent drainage.

Botanical Name:Pennisetum alopecuroides

Common Name:Fountain Grass

Uses:

Beds and Borders, Container, Accent

Attributes:

• Clumping, ornamental grass
• Pinkish-purple flower plumes
• Blooms mid to late summer
• Effective in mass plantings

Plant Type or Function - Ornamental Grass

Ornamental Grass is a term used to include not only true grasses but close relatives such as sedges, rushes, hardy bamboo and others.  But not turf (lawn) grasses.  Ornamental grasses are adaptable to a wide range of soils and require little effort to maintain.  Some are great for drier areas while others are able to withstand moist, boggy conditions. Grasses come in many heights, growth habits, colors and textures. Their seed heads and foliage add fall and winter interest; some prized for their indoor decorative use. Leave the old dry foliage intact during winter to provide a different accent to the landscape. Use as groundcovers, vertical specimen plants, errosion control, and striking mass plantings. Taller varieties are especially beautiful while a breeze is blowing. The gentle waving motion and accompanying sounds create a peaceful atmosphere within your landscape.  These plants truly provide year around landscape interest.

Planting and Care Information

Planting

• Prepare the area for planting by conditioning the soil. Loosen the soil and incorporate an organic soil conditioner according to directions.
• Dig a hole 2 times the width of the root ball and a depth slightly less than the height of the root ball. Allow the top surface of the root ball to rest 1/2 inch higher than the soil line.
• For container grown plants, carefully remove plant by squeezing container and slowly removing the root ball. Never pull on the plant trunk. Instead let the root ball slide out by tipping the container. If the plant is heavily rooted, loosen roots by gently pulling a few away from the root ball. This encourages stronger root growth. Set root ball in hole making sure the top of the root ball is slightly higher (1/2 inch) than ground level. Place soil mix under root ball if too low. Backfill soil mix around plant to ground level and tamp lightly removing all air pockets.
• For biodegradable pots, follow the directions on the container.
• For bare root plants, trim any broken, twisted or discolored tips. Determine the original soil line by the change in color on the plant trunk. Set the plant in the hole so the soil line is above the surrounding soil. Space the roots evenly. Backfill soil mix around and between the roots and tamp lightly removing all air.
• Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the plant. Add more soil mix around plant if necessary after watering. Apply root stimulator to encourage new root growth and fast establishment.
• If a large plant; build a soil ring around the plant, 6" beyond the edge of the hole, to use as water reservoir to assist in watering until established.
• Add a 2-3" layer of mulch around plant to conserve soil moisture and eliminate future weeds.
• For large shrubs, it may be necessary to secure the trunk by using three stakes placed at equal distances around the plant.

Fertillization

• Fertilize just before and during the plants active growing cycle. Fertilization should begin just prior to new growth and end three or four weeks before the first frost.
• Choose an all-purpose fertilizer recommended for flowering and/or foliage plants. Frequency will depend on the type of fertilizer. Liquid (water soluble) and granular quick release fertilizer, require more frequent application; slow release granular fertilizer requires less.
• When using granular fertilizer be sure to sprinkle fertilizer pellets away from the plant stems or trunk to prevent possible burning and always water thoroughly after application. This dissolves or releases the fertilizer into the soil. Apply water soluble fertilizer by thoroughly drenching the leaves and soil.
• Always follow fertilizer package directions.

Pruning

• Pruning ornamental grasses will rejuvenate growth and promote flower plumes.
• Ornamental grasses that die back completely can be pruned to the ground in late winter.
• Evergreen ornamental grasses should be groomed in early spring. Remove damaged or dead foliage and old flower plumes.
• When ornamental grasses become to large they can be divided. Use a spade or shovel and divide the plant in spring.
• Use proper tools such as shears and hand pruners. Make sure all equipment is clean and sharp.
• Fertilize after pruning to help speed new growth.

Watering

• New plants require more frequent watering than established plants. After planting check for water regularly until fully rooted and established.
• For large plants; build a soil ring around the plant to use as a water reservoir. This will assist in watering until the plant is established.
• Always water slowly and deeply making sure the root ball is completely saturated.
• Don't water at night if possible. Watering in the morning helps prevent disease.
• If new plant wilts between watering, increase the frequency of watering.
• Plants in hot, humid or sunny areas need more frequent watering than plants in cool climates.
• Plants in containers may require more frequent watering than plants in the ground. This will depend on plant variety, pot size and soil.
• Add a 2-3"" layer of organic mulch around plant to maintain and conserve soil moisture. Mulch will reduce watering frequency and speed root establishment.

Product Checklist

• Planting MixPromotes strong healthy growth and more flowers
• Potting SoilReady to use mix for indoor and outdoor containers and hanging baskets
• Plant StarterHelps plants quickly establish to their new home
• Slow Release FertilizerFeeds for months with one application. Safe to use on new plantings
• Organic MulchPrevents weeds for months, saves water and beautifies
• Planting ToolsShovels, trowels, cultivators and other tools to make planting easy
• Pre-emergent Weed ControlApply to ground after planting to prevent new weeds from sprouting
• Soaker HoseEasy to use, conserves water, and reduces chance of leaf diseases
• ContainersChoose from light weight resin, clay or ceramic for patio or porch
• Landscape EdgingKeeps beds defined, easy to maintain, and free of lawn grass
• Gardening GlovesFor comfort and protection

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