Red Fountain Grass

Red fountain grass

Red Fountain Grass is used as an annual in colder climates but in Southern California can last several seasons as a perennial. If blooms are left on, plant will re-seed.

Does red fountain grass spread?

The downside is that in California, Fountain Grass has no natural enemies and readily out-competes other plants. It is invasive, and if you plant it in your yard, you will soon have seedlings of Fountain Grass popping up wherever there is bare soil.

How do you take care of red fountain grass?

Established plants do not need regular watering, except during periods of drought. Fountain grass does well in nearly any type of soil; however, for greater results, fountain grass should be planted in fertile, well-drained soil. Fountain grass enjoys full sun but tolerates some light shade.

Does red fountain grass need to be cut back?

Fountain grass is a warm season grass that is dormant during the winter and begins growth after the coolest weather is past. You can trim the top any time from fall until growth resumes in the spring. I enjoy the dormant grass through the winter, so I delay until just before growth begins.

Does fountain grass like sun or shade?

Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) 'Hameln' flowers best in full sun, although it can take partial shade. Hardy in Zones 5-9, the plants produce fluffy, buff-colored blooms from late summer to fall; birds are attracted to their seeds. This ornamental grass grows 18-30" tall in spreading clumps.

How do you take care of red fountain grass in the winter?

Keep the plants in a cool, not freezing, dark location with slightly moist soil. The goal is to keep the fountain grass dormant, not growing and not shriveling up, throughout the winter.

What makes fountain grass a problem?

It increases fuel load and therefore the frequency, intensity, and spread of fire. Fountain grass is well-adapted to fire and can increase in density following a burn. Intense fires result in severe damage to native plant communities that are not as fire-tolerant as fountain grass and may endanger rare communities.

Does fountain grass need to be cut back in the fall?

Answering your first question on how to thin out the plant and what to do with the falling outer “stalks” (flowers) --the best time to prune fountain grass is late winter or early spring--but be sure to prune before the grass begins to re-grow. Also avoid pruning in the fall before the plant has had time to go dormant.

Is red fountain grass toxic to dogs?

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum) can add a great deal of height to your flower gardens, are beautiful when they bloom, and are considered non-toxic to pets. Feel at ease with these in your yard!

What kills fountain grass?

Herbicides are an effective way of removing ornamental grasses, grassy weeds and other problem plants. Glyphosate is a particularly effective herbicide, and careful application in a spray will concentrate the chemicals onto just the ornamental grasses.

What happens if you don't cut back ornamental grasses?

If you don't cut back your ornamental grasses, they not only might look untidy with depreciated foliage, but they also might spread their seeds in unwanted areas. Plus, fresh foliage in the spring might have a difficult time growing through the depreciated foliage.

Does fountain grass spread?

These plants have a clumping habit and will spread via underground rhizomes. If you choose to divide your mature fountain grass plants to propagate new ones, wait until late winter or early spring. This will give your new plants enough time to become established before the summer heat becomes too intense.

Does fountain grass turn brown in winter?

If cool temperatures have arrived and you notice brown tips on fountain grass, it is likely just signaling the end of the growing season. As a warm season grass, older fountain grass growth responds by dying back. This is normal and allows for new growth to have sufficient space, air, and light in spring.

Why is my red fountain grass turning brown?

Overwatering – allow time for the soil to dry between waterings. Too much fertilizer – instead of using chemicals, a fertilizer like Azomite that has trace minerals and vitamins, along with seaweed and kelp can help. Plants that are in pots – if the grass is root-bound, it can't absorb water from the soil easily.

Does red fountain grass need a lot of water?

Water newly planted crimson fountain grass once or twice a week until the roots are established, but never to the point of sogginess. Once the plant settles in, the plant is drought-tolerant, but benefits from occasional irrigation when the weather is hot and dry.

Does fountain grass have invasive roots?

Fountain grass is currently expanding its range in the Southwestern U.S. and has been reported as invasive in California, Nevada, and Arizona.

How far apart do you plant red fountain grass?

Plant Type:	Ornamental grass, herbaceous annual, tender perennial	Foliage Color:
Spacing:	5 feet	Companion Planting:
Planting Depth:	Same depth as the container from which you are transplanting	Uses:
Height:	2-4 feet	Attracts:
Spread:	2-3 feet	Order:

Is red fountain grass Hardy?

Winter hardy to USDA Zones 9-10 where it is easily grown as a perennial in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.

Where does fountain grass grow best?

Fountain grass is easily grown in most soils. Fountain grass is easily grown in most soils and does best in full sun, although it does tolerate part shade (but will not flower well). Although it prefers fairly dry soils and is drought tolerant once established, it also grows in moist, but well-drained soils.

Will ornamental grass survive a freeze?

Most perennial grasses survive the winter with little to no care, as long as you have chosen an ornamental grass hardy to your growing zone.

13 Red fountain grass Images