Fountain Grass - Garden Beauty

I share below how best to plant and grow fountain grass but by borrowing multiples of your own you can afford to experiment in so many different ways with your very own original ideas.

Paint a picture in your mind of these beauties mixed and matched and then make them become real!

I have some very beautiful pictures with the pampas grass (also called Cortaderia selloana); it is simply beautiful mixed with other scenery or standing alone. The one above as you can see just accentuates all the beauty around it. See how the light colored grass shows off the dark trees and leaves around it? Taking pictures is a good way to help you decide how you want to use your pampas grass; what you want to highlight and just where it would beautify your landscape most.

You could have so many kinds and colors and mixtures with other beauties you already have and it multiplies so well you can keep your expenses down after the first purchases to get it started. I consider it one of my very best investments that will keep paying off for years to come.

Fountain grass is very easy to grow.

As most ornamental grasses, it is very flexible, and so very easy to care for.

In the spring, fertilizer may be applied as growth continues but it is not necessary.

Established plants do not need watering, except during periods of drought. It does well in almost any type of soil; but for greater results, fountain grass should be planted in fertile, well-drained soil; in full sun or some light shade, although they prefer the full sun with temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees.

The flowing leaves on this plant have a fountain-like appearance. Clump forming grasses grow in clumps, ideal for many areas not becoming continual.

Use alone or use as a border with other perennials.

During fall and throughout winter, this plant will also remain a decoration to your lawn.

Of all the ornamental grasses, of which there are many, purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) is probably one of the most popular. The purple or burgundy-colored foliage and soft, fuzzy-like blooms (which are followed by purplish seedheads) make a bold statement in the garden—on their own or grouped with other plantings. Growing purple fountain grass is easy and requires little maintenance once established. http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/purple-fountain-grass/grow-purple-fountain-grass.htm

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Buy enough purple fountain grass seeds to allow enough purple fountain grass seed per square inch of planting area or seedling pot. They are tiny and can be purchased in bulk very inexpensively.

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Plant several purple fountain grass seeds in prepared pots about 1-inch deep. Keep evenly moist but do not sog. Transplant into prepared ground soil or larger pots when they reach 3 to 4 inches in height; allowing at least 10-inches between plants.

Gardeners grow red fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) to add color and movement into their landscapes. In Northern and other cool climates, red fountain grass is an annual. Gardeners in those environments need to replace their plants and do not have to worry about extensive pruning. In warm and tropical areas, red fountain grass grows abundantly, and if gardeners do not control it, the grass can spread over a significant amount of territory and create a nuisance.

I have never seen it used that way but I think fountain grass would make a beautiful border for privacy. Maybe outside a bedroom window would be nice. It would not block the view completely looking out but would be a beautiful sight really from any window!

It can be dug up and divided in areas where overcrowding occurs or if more plants are wanted. Dividing can be performed in early spring before new growth or after the growing season in the late summer or fall as with most other plants. I prefer the latter since spring can sneak in so quickly in the south.

Fountain grass grows well in any fertile, moist, wet or well-drained soil. It prefers full sun to very light shade. Cultivars to look for include Cassian, Hamelin, Little Bunny dwarf form, Little Honey dwarf form, and Moudry dark seed heads.

I love fountain grass, it grows really well for me and I have taken some of my best picture using my own for a focal point and find it is may be prettier than or as pretty as any; anywhere. The most common variety is Dwarf Fountain Grass Hameln with its light tan blooms turning pinkish brown in fall. This fountain grass blooms earlier than the others, good for gardens with shorter growing seasons. Purple Fountain Grass has purple foliage and blooms. Red Fountain Grass which grows about 3 to 4 feet tall, has reddish foliage and showy flowers.

Fountain grasses come in a great variety and grow from a few inches to quite tall, eight to ten feet I have seen the Pampas Grass and some people see it as a nuisance like Morning Glories, spreading so easily and I find that so hard to comprehend, such is the beauty and too with Pampas Grass being my favorite. What better way to decorate and the beauty of them just compliments anything else you grow. The ways of using them is simply endless!

Fountain grasses range anywhere from twelve inches to three feet high and wide, and mix with other large perennials. When overcrowding occurs, fountain grass can be divided in late fall or in early spring.

How about a low maintenance, long-lasting way to keep your yard beautiful? What about some decorative grasses that can be planted in a shaded area? These trees and plants can be planted in various seasons, won't get damaged because of pests or diseases, are resistant to deer, they come in different shapes and sizes, and above all, some are even good in drought as well. Who could ask for anything more?

Things You Will Need

• Stapler
• Mulch
• Pruning Shears
• Staples
• Stakes
• Burlap sack

Instructions

1. Prune damaged, dead or diseased grass. Since heavy snow can damage fountain grass, it is best to remove any thick foliage to lighten the plant. Cut back to the healthy section of the plant using pruning shears.

2. Hold back the amount of water you give it in winter to harden the plant; but give fountain grass at least one inch of water during winter.

3. Cover with three to four inches of mulch over the fountain grass. Use leaves, compost or bark to cover your plant's root system to seal in moisture.

4. Stakes should be the height of your plant around your ornamental grass. Attach burlap sacks to the stakes to make a shield from the wind.

5. Take the stakes and mulch away after the last freeze to prevent root rot. This occurs when the root system gets too much moisture.

The best time to trim fountain grass back is in the late winter or early spring; just make sure that you prune fountain grass back before it starts actively growing because of course this could kill it so do make sure it is late winter; not fall when you cut it back.

Next is using a cutting tool, like pruning shears or hedge clippers, to cut back the stem bundle. Prune about 4 to 6 inches above the ground. I really prefer a small saw with a short handle, just seems so much easier and faster.

Tie up the dead stems first with rope; this way you don't have to clean up all the fallen stems. They end up in a neat bundle to do away with; just pull your dead cut away with the rope you tied it with to make clean up so much easier.

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