Red fountain ornamental grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) is a showy, clump forming grass with burgundy red leaves and feathery plumes of rosy purple blooms. You may know this attention grabber as crimson fountain grass. Although many types of fountain grass are invasive, this plant is well behaved and seldom sets seed. You can expect the plant to reach mature heights of about three to five feet (1 m.), with a similar spread.
Crimson fountain grass is a warm weather plant, suitable for growing as a perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 and 10. However, gardeners in cooler climates can grow this fast growing beauty as an annual. Interested in learning more about growing red fountain ornamental grass? Read on for helpful tips.
How to Grow Red Fountain Grass: Tips on Red Fountain Grass Care
Red fountain ornamental grass prefers full sunlight, which brings out the intense color; however, it tolerates partial shade. Nearly any type of well-drained soil is fine, but the grass doesn’t do well in soggy, poorly drained soil. Plant where it can be protected from harsh winds.
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. This ornamental grass thrives in poor soil and requires very little fertilizer; however, the plant benefits from a light application of general-purpose, slow-release fertilizer in early summer.
Divide crimson fountain grass whenever the plant looks tired or if it dies down in the center. The best time for this task is just before new growth emerges in spring, in late summer, or early fall. If you live in a cooler climate it’s possible to dig the plant in fall, pot it up, and bring it indoors for the winter. Although, most people prefer to start fresh with a new plant every spring.
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Fountain Grass Varieties – Learn About Popular Fountain Grass PlantsThere are many fountain grass cultivars. Hardiness and growing conditions can vary depending on variety. Click to learn more.
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Little Honey Fountain Grass – How To Grow Pennisetum Little HoneyIf you want a showy, ornamental grass, you should try growing little honey fountain grass. Read on to learn more.
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Little Bunny Fountain Grass Care: Growing Little Bunny Fountain GrassMost types of fountain grasses grow pretty large, making them unsuitable choices for small spaces. The miniature Little Bunny dwarf fountain grass, however, is perfect for tiny areas. Learn more about Little Bunny fountain grass in this article.
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Fountain Grass Trimming – How To Treat Brown Tips On Fountain GrassFountain grass plants are easy to grow and generally unfussy, but occasional brown tips on fountain grass can be a clue to incorrect site conditions, cultural care or simply a natural process. There are several browning fountain grass causes, so click here for more info.
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Fertilizing Fountain Grass – When And What To Feed Ornamental GrassesFountain grass feeding is a rare chore because ornamental grasses like these thrive in low fertility areas. However, let the appearance of the plant be your cue and fertilize only when color and leaf health are indicative of nutritional scarcity. Learn more here.
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Fountain Grass Turning White: My Fountain Grass Is Bleaching OutNear the end of the season, you may find your fountain grass turning white, bleached, and unappealing. What is happening? Is there some sort of terrible fountain grass problem? Find the answers in this article. Click here for more info.
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Tips For Fountain Grass Pruning: Cutting Back Fountain GrassFountain grasses are a reliable and pretty addition to the home landscape, adding drama and height. But when do you prune fountain grass? In the fall, winter or in the spring? And how? This article will help.
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Tips For Care Of Fountain GrassFountain grass is a mound-forming ornamental grass and a garden favorite, as the care of fountain grass is easy. You can learn more about growing fountain grass in the article that follows.
