You will not see new growth on these plants until spring is well underway, and the soil has thoroughly warmed up. Dwarf Fountain Grass is perennial in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9.

Does dwarf fountain grass come back every year?

Dwarf fountain grass is moderately drought tolerant. Its plumes can rise dramatically, as high as 3 to 6 feet above the foliage. The Dainty Handcrafted Association reports that this ornamental grass dies back every winter, and pruning is the best way to encourage its return the following spring.

Does fountain grass come back every year?

It is hardy in USDA zone 8, but as a warm season grass, it will only grow as an annual in cooler areas. Fountain grass plants are perennial in the warmer climates but to save them in cooler areas try taking care of fountain grass indoors.

Are fountain grasses perennials?

Perennial fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) is a perennial grass. ... Annual fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) is a widely grown annual grass. The most popular annual cultivars are those with reddish purple foliage, such as 'Rubrum.

How do you take care of 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. In mid March, move the plants to a warm sunny location to get them started growing.

PETITTI Ornamental Grasses

20 related questions found

Will fountain grass come back?

While purple fountain grass is known as a perennial, it is actually considered a tender perennial. This ornamental grass cannot survive cold winters and is hardy only in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9 and warmer (though in Zones 7-8 it can sometimes reappear given adequate winter protection).

Can ornamental grass survive winter?

Ornamental grasses grace nearly any type of landscape and often provide winter interest in the garden. 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. ...

What perennials go with ornamental grasses?

They also look great planted singly and add height beside a water garden or a a pretty backdrop for brightly colored perennials such as Black Eyed Susan, Coneflower, and Daylilies. Be sure to plant Maiden Grass in plenty of sun- they tend to become floppy if they receive too much shade.

Should all ornamental grasses be cut back?

If you leave the trimming until spring try to make sure to cut them back to the ground (you can leave a couple of inches) by late spring, before new growth begins. Not all ornamental grasses look good through the winter, trim back those that don't look good in the fall.

What's the difference between annual and perennial?

So, what's the difference? Perennial plants regrow every spring, while annual plants live for only one growing season, then die off. Perennials generally have a shorter blooming period compared to annuals, so it's common for gardeners to use a combination of both plants in their yard.

Does fountain grass come back in the spring?

Tip. 'Fireworks' fountain grass dies back after temperatures drop to freezing in winter and reappears in spring in USDA zones 9 and 10.

Is my fountain grass dead?

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.

Is ornamental grass perennial or annual?

Most ornamental grasses are perennials, living for two or more years. Annual grasses live for only one growing season because of their natural growth habit or they are not hardy in our climate. Grasses have growth habits that are either clumping or spreading.

Is bunny grass a perennial?

The slow growing grass is ideal for rock gardens, borders, and small perennial beds – even containers. Like other types of fountain grass, Little Bunny grows in a clumping, fountain-like formation. The ribbon-shaped leaves are dark green throughout the growing season and turn russet gold in the fall.

How do you maintain a dwarf fountain grass?

Care of fountain grass is easy as well. It's sometimes helpful to cut back the foliage in the spring prior to growth. Although not specifically a requirement for fountain grass, fertilizer can be applied as growth resumes in the spring. Established plants do not need regular watering, except during periods of drought.

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

What Happens If You Don't Cut Back the Ornamental Grasses? As mentioned above, you will find that the green is starting to grow through the brown. One problem that will create is that the brown will start creating seeds. Once grass has created seeds, there is a very good chance that the grass will die out.

Should I cut down perennials for winter?

No. Although it's recommended to leave them in place until spring, perennials will usually survive if cut back. ... Some perennials, like mums, always winter best with tops left in place. When leaving perennial tops intact during winter, cut them back in spring before new growth emerges from ground level.

When should perennials be cut back?

As the first light frosts begin to hit plants in mid to late fall, the foliage of perennial plants will begin to die back. Once this occurs, it is the ideal time to begin cutting plants back.

What can I plant with dwarf fountain grass?

If you are looking for a low care and long-lasting summer or fall border idea, you may want to try this combination of evergreen shrubs, ornamental grasses, colorful perennials and low-growing sedums.

What can I plant next to fountain grass?

Vertigo fountain grass and Supertunia Vista petunias enjoy full sun and average moisture conditions. They are both heat tolerant. Add a bright splash of purple that lasts through fall in your landscape by combining annual purple fountain grass with cleome.

Where do you plant fountain grass?

Plant your fountain grass in a sunny location. It grows best in warm conditions with temperatures ranging from 75 to 85°F, though many cultivars can tolerate much cooler conditions. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, though it won't flower quite as well.

Is purple fountain grass perennial or annual?

Purple fountain grass is a perennial in Zones 9 and 10, but is frequently grown as an annual in cold-winter Zones.

What grass lasts all year?

This year I've decided to try my hand at overseeding my lawn with a cool season grass such as fescue, rye or bluegrass. These types of grasses will stay green throughout winter and well into spring. If you live a cooler climate, these grasses will stay green for you all year round.

How do you keep fountain grass purple in the winter?

Grow purple fountain grass in a container if you live in areas where the temperature dips below 20 degrees F. in winter. Bring the container inside to a warm, protected area that receives light, when the weather begins to turn cool. Allow the grass to turn completely brown and trim to the ground.