Fountain grass is an attractive ornamental grass that makes a great addition to any garden.
This type of grass produces tall arches of lush green foliage, and its long-lasting blooms provide a beautiful backdrop to any fountain or other water feature in your garden. Its delicate texture provides a soft, billowing effect that adds a bit of elegance and sophistication.
Fountain grass is also incredibly easy to grow and care for, so it’s a great choice for those who don’t want to spend too much time tending to their garden. It is low-maintenance and requires minimal watering and pruning. It also grows quickly and is quite hardy, so it can tolerate almost any weather conditions.
Fountain grass comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose the perfect shade to coordinate with your other garden elements. Whether you’re looking for a bold pop of color or a subtle, neutral hue, there’s sure to be a fountain grass variety that will suit your taste.
Fountain grass is also an ideal choice for those looking to create a natural-looking water feature. Its delicate foliage creates an attractive backdrop for the fountain, and its long-lasting blooms will draw attention to your fountain throughout the year.
Fountain grass is a great compromise for those who want to add a water feature to their garden without the hassle of a larger fountain. It is easy to care for, and its rich foliage and blooms will create an elegant backdrop for your water feature.
The Hardiness of Fountain Grass
Its hardiness makes it a great choice for gardens of all sizes, and its long-lasting blooms make it a perfect companion to any fountain. Whether you’re looking to add a splash of color or simply create an attractive backdrop, Fountain Grass is the perfect compromise for your garden.
Fountain grass can also be used as an effective ground cover in areas that are prone to erosion. Its dense foliage helps to retain moisture in the soil and prevents it from becoming compacted and washed away.
Will Fountain Grass Survive Winter?
Yes, fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) is a hardy perennial that can survive cold weather and even snow. It is native to temperate regions of the world, so it is able to tolerate temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C).
However, the grass is not frost-hardy, so it will need protection from hard frost if temperatures drop too low.
The grass typically dies back in winter, with the foliage turning yellow or tan before falling away. The plant usually reappears in spring as soon as temperatures start to rise again and moisture is available.
To ensure that fountain grass survives during cold weather, it is best to mulch heavily around the plant once temperatures start to drop. This will help insulate the roots and keep them from freezing.
It is important to make sure that fountain grass has enough water throughout the winter season, so be sure to provide it with plenty of moisture during periods of drought. Pruning away any dead foliage in early spring can also help to invigorate new growth.
With the right care and protection, fountain grass can thrive in cold climates and make for a lovely addition to any garden.
Note: In areas with extreme winter weather, it is best to consider an evergreen ornamental grass such as pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) or blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens). Both of these are much hardier and more resistant to cold weather than fountain grass.
Setting up a Fountain with Fountain Grass
Fountain grass is a great choice for anyone looking to add a beautiful water feature to their garden without the hassle of installing and maintaining a large fountain. Here is how you can do it:
- Choose a spot in your garden that has adequate light and access to water.
- Decide on the type of fountain you want to install, such as a bubbling urn or wall-mounted feature.
- Place the fountain in the area you have chosen, making sure it is level and secure.
- Add soil around the base of the fountain for planting your grasses if desired.
- Plant your chosen variety of Fountain Grass according to package instructions and make sure to keep it well watered until established roots develop (typically within 4 weeks).
- Trim back any dead foliage regularly to ensure healthy growth throughout the year and remove weeds as required for optimal health of plants surrounding fountains/grass beds
- Add additional decorative elements such as rocks, stones or pebbles around the perimeter of fountains with grasses planted nearby for an eye-catching display
- Enjoy your new water feature with Fountain Grass and its wonderful benefits
It is both attractive and easy to care for, making it the perfect compromise.
What Goes Well with Fountain Grass?
Fountain grass is a beautiful ornamental grass that adds texture and movement to the garden. It’s versatile and can be used in many different ways, from providing dramatic accents to softening hardscapes. Here are some plants that look great when planted alongside fountain grass:
Echinacea Purpurea (Purple Coneflower)
This elegant perennial adds a splash of color to the garden. Its purple-pink petals and upright habit create an eye-catching contrast with fountain grass’s cascading foliage.
Coreopsis Verticillata (Threadleaf Tickseed)
This bright yellow bloom adds cheerful, sunny color to borders or containers. Its delicate, thread-like foliage creates a lovely balance with fountain grass’s billowy shape.
Stachys Byzantina (Lambs Ears)
This soft and fuzzy perennial is great for lightening up garden beds and adding texture to the landscape. Its low-growing habit pairs nicely with fountain grass’s arching stems.
Ajuga Reptans (Bugleweed)
This low-growing ground cover is perfect for filling in areas between stepping stones or pathways. Its glossy foliage provides a pleasing contrast to fountain grass’s airy plumes.
These are just some of the plants that can be used to create a beautiful garden design when paired with fountain grass. With its versatility and handsome form, incorporating fountain grass into your landscape can be both easy and rewarding.