How Big Does Purple Fountain Grass Get and How to Care for It

Purple Fountain Grass is an ornamental grass known for its showy foliage, clump-forming growth habit, and stunning plum-colored plumes.

Description and characteristics

Purple Fountain Grass is a joy to see. It grows into round mounds about 4 feet tall and just as wide. The grass has soft, fluffy leaves that are purple or bronze in color. These stay pretty during the whole growing season.

This type of grass adds beauty to any yard or landscape. But it needs warm weather to grow well. In places where it gets colder than 20 degrees Fahrenheit, you should treat this plant like you would plants that only live for one year, or keep them safe during winter.

You can even grow Purple Fountain Grass in pots and use them to make your patio or balcony look nice! Unlike some other types of Pennisetum, Purple Fountain Grass won’t spread unwantedly.

Growth habits and size

Purple Fountain Grass is a clump-forming ornamental grass that grows in rounded mounds. It can reach a mature height of about four feet tall, with a similar width. The grass has soft and fluffy purple or bronze foliage that adds a touch of beauty to any garden or landscape.

It grows relatively fast and remains attractive throughout the growing season. To ensure it has enough space to grow and breathe, it’s important to consider its mature size when planting Purple Fountain Grass in your garden or landscape.

How to Grow Purple Fountain Grass

To grow Purple Fountain Grass, start by choosing a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and place the plant in it, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the ground.

Water thoroughly after planting and continue to water regularly for the first few weeks until it is established.

Planting requirements

To grow Purple Fountain Grass successfully, here are the planting requirements you need to keep in mind:

• Choose a sunny spot in your garden or landscape. Purple Fountain Grass thrives in full sun.
• Prepare the soil by loosening it and removing any weeds or debris.
• Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ball of the plant.
• Place the grass in the hole, making sure that it is planted at the same depth as it was in its container.
• Backfill the hole with soil and gently pat it down to eliminate air pockets.
• Water the grass thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots.

Sunlight, soil, and water needs

Purple Fountain Grass thrives in full sun, so make sure to plant it in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. It can tolerate some shade but will have the best color and growth in full sun.

Propagation methods

To propagate Purple Fountain Grass, you can follow these simple steps:

• Divide the plant in early spring or late fall.
• Use a sharp shovel or garden fork to carefully dig up the clump of grass.
• Gently separate the clump into smaller sections, making sure each section has roots and shoots.
• Replant the divided sections in well – draining soil at the same depth as they were previously growing.
• Water them thoroughly after planting, and continue to keep the soil moist until they are established.

Caring for Purple Fountain Grass

To care for Purple Fountain Grass, it is important to regularly prune and maintain the plant. Regular fertilizing and watering are also necessary to ensure healthy growth. Additionally, managing pests and diseases will help keep the grass vibrant and attractive.

Pruning and maintenance

Pruning and maintaining Purple Fountain Grass is important to keep it healthy and looking its best. Here are some tips for taking care of your grass:

• I like to prune my Purple Fountain Grass in early spring, before new growth begins. This helps to remove any dead or damaged foliage from the previous season.
• To prune the grass, I use a pair of sharp garden shears or scissors. I cut back the entire plant to about 6-8 inches above ground level.
• It’s also a good idea to divide clumps of Purple Fountain Grass every few years to encourage healthy growth. I usually do this in early spring as well.
• When dividing the grass, I dig up the clump and use a sharp shovel or knife to separate it into smaller sections. Each section should have its own set of roots.
• After dividing, I replant the sections in well – draining soil, making sure to give them enough space to grow. Proper spacing is important for their health and overall appearance.
• Throughout the growing season, it’s important to provide regular water for your Purple Fountain Grass. It prefers moist but not waterlogged soil.
• Adding fertilizer once or twice during the growing season can help promote lush growth and vibrant color. I like to use a balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Fertilizing and watering tips

I love taking care of my Purple Fountain Grass and making sure it looks its best. Here are some tips for fertilizing and watering this beautiful ornamental grass:

1. Fertilize your Purple Fountain Grass in the spring with a slow – release fertilizer. This will provide nutrients to promote healthy growth throughout the season.
2. Water your grass deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. It is important not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. Make sure the soil is dry before watering again.
3. Mulch around the base of your Purple Fountain Grass to help retain moisture and prevent weed growth. This will also add nutrients to the soil as it breaks down.
4. During periods of hot weather, provide additional water to keep your grass hydrated. Aim to water in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler.
5. Avoid watering overhead as this can cause fungal diseases on the foliage. Instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to water at the base of the plant.
6. As winter approaches, reduce watering frequency to allow your grass to go dormant naturally. In colder regions, protect your Purple Fountain Grass by covering it with mulch or moving it indoors.

Managing pests and diseases

I have some tips for dealing with pests and diseases that may affect your Purple Fountain Grass. Here are some things you can do:

• Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. If you spot them, you can spray the grass with a mixture of water and dish soap to help get rid of them.
• Disease – wise, Purple Fountain Grass is generally pretty resistant. However, if you notice any signs of fungal or bacterial infections, it’s best to trim off the affected areas as soon as possible to prevent spreading.
• To avoid any pest or disease problems altogether, make sure to keep the grass well – maintained and healthy. This means regularly removing dead or damaged foliage, providing proper watering and fertilization, and ensuring good air circulation around the plants.
• It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on neighboring plants for any signs of pests or diseases that could potentially spread to your Purple Fountain Grass.

Controlling the Size of Purple Fountain Grass

Discover effective tips for controlling the size of purple fountain grass and maintaining its stunning appearance throughout the season.

Tips for controlling growth

Controlling the growth of Purple Fountain Grass is important to keep it in a manageable size. Here are some tips:

1. Regular pruning: Trim back the grass in early spring before new growth appears to remove any dead or damaged foliage.
2. Divide and replant: Every few years, divide the grass clumps to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth. Dig up the clump, separate it into smaller sections, and replant them.
3. Proper spacing: When planting Purple Fountain Grass, make sure to space each plant according to its mature size. This will prevent overcrowding and allow each plant to grow to its full potential.
4. Remove seed heads: To limit self-seeding and spread, remove the fuzzy seed heads that appear on the grass before they mature and disperse seeds.
5. Use barriers: If you want to control the spread of Purple Fountain Grass, consider using barriers such as edging or root barriers to restrict its growth.

Proper spacing and division

When planting Purple Fountain Grass, it’s important to give each plant enough space to grow and thrive. Here are some tips for proper spacing and division:

1. Space the plants at least 3 – 4 feet apart to allow for their mature size.
2. This will prevent overcrowding and promote good airflow, reducing the risk of disease.
3. If you have existing clumps of Purple Fountain Grass that have become too large, you can divide them to create new plants.
4. Divide the grass in early spring before new growth begins.
5. Use a sharp spade or shovel to carefully dig up the clump, making sure to include a good portion of the roots.
6. Separate the clump into smaller sections using your hands or a sharp knife, ensuring that each division has roots and foliage.
7. Replant the divisions immediately at their desired spacing, following the same planting guidelines as mentioned earlier.
8. Water the newly divided plants thoroughly after replanting to help them establish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Purple Fountain Grass can grow up to four feet tall and adds a beautiful touch to any garden. Taking care of it involves giving it enough space to grow, watering it when the soil is dry, and protecting it during winter in colder regions.

With proper care, this ornamental grass will thrive and enhance the beauty of your outdoor space.

FAQs

1. How big does purple fountain grass get?

Purple fountain grass can reach a height range of three to five feet. It is a clump-forming type of plant.

2. What is the growth rate of purple fountain grass?

The growth rate of purple fountain grass can be fast if it gets enough water and sun.

3. How should I care for my purple fountain grass?

You should supply your red or bronzed foliage with enough water, give it proper pruning, fertilizing during growth periods and ensure low maintenance level in winter.

4. Does purple fountain grass need specific planting conditions?

Yes! To grow well, you must plant this seasonal habit in areas such as dry stream beds where they would have ample access to sunlight.

5. What are the watering needs of Purple Fountain Grass?

Water requirement varies based on soil type and climate but generally, these clumps prefer regular watering to keep their plumes lush.