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The Hilarious Guide to Fountain Grass Plant: Complete Care Tips
Are you planning to add some drama and humor to your garden? Look no further than fountain grass.
This ornamental grass is the life of any party, and it requires minimal care.
Let’s dive into the hilarious world of fountain grass plant and learn how to take care of it.
What is Fountain Grass Plant?
Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) is a perennial ornamental grass native to Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Its name comes from the arching foliage that resembles a fountain spray.
The plant grows in clumps that can reach 3-4 feet tall and wide.
It produces fluffy flower spikes in late summer or fall that can be green, purple, or burgundy depending on the variety.
Why You Should Grow Fountain Grass Plant
- Fountain grass adds movement and texture to your garden with its swaying leaves.
- The fluffy flowers are great for attracting birds, butterflies, and bees.
- Fountain grass is low-maintenance once established – it tolerates drought, heat, cold, poor soil conditions (except heavy clay), pests (except deer), and diseases.
- You can use fountain grass as a focal point or as an accent in mixed borders or containers.
If these reasons don’t convince you yet, consider this: you can use fountain grass as a prop for your comedy sketches! Imagine telling your friends that you have “fountain hair” because you spent too much time near the plants!
How to Grow Fountain Grass Plant
When to Plant
You can plant fountain grass in spring after the last frost date or in fall before the first frost date.
Choose a sunny spot (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) with well-draining soil.
If your soil is heavy or clayey, add some sand or organic matter to improve drainage.
How to Plant
Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball of your fountain grass plant.
Loosen the roots gently and place the plant in the hole, making sure that it sits at the same depth as it was in its container.
Backfill with soil and press around the base of the plant to remove air pockets.
How to Water
Water your newly planted fountain grass regularly for the first few weeks until it establishes roots.
After that, you can water only when rainfall is scarce or prolonged drought occurs.
How to Care for Fountain Grass Plant
Fertilizer
Fountain grass doesn’t need much fertilization if your soil is already rich in nutrients.
However, you can give it a boost in early spring by applying a slow-release granular fertilizer according to package instructions.
Pruning
You can prune fountain grass anytime from late winter to early spring before new growth emerges.
Cut back all stems close to ground level either by using hand pruners or by tying them up with twine and cutting below them with hedge shears if you have large clumps.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an easy-care plant that adds humor and personality to your garden, fountain grass should be on top of your list! With its flowing foliage and fluffy flowers, this ornamental grass will make both humans and wildlife happy while requiring minimal maintenance from you!
