Ornamental Fountain Grass (Pennisetum spp.)
Ornamental Fountain Grass, often varieties of Pennisetum species, adds grace and texture to landscapes with its feathery plumes and fountain-like growth habit. Here’s a description and planting instructions for this beautiful grass variety in Wyoming:
Description:
– Ornamental Fountain Grass varieties are known for their graceful, arching foliage and fluffy, bottlebrush-like plumes that emerge in late summer or fall.
– Depending on the specific variety, Fountain Grass can range in height from 1 to 4 feet, with some cultivars reaching up to 6 feet under optimal growing conditions.
– These grasses are valued for their ornamental appeal and are often used as accent plants in borders, containers, or as standalone specimens in landscape beds.
Ornamental Fountain Grass, often varieties of Pennisetum species, adds grace and texture to landscapes with its feathery plumes and fountain-like growth habit. Here’s a description and planting instructions for this beautiful grass variety in Wyoming:
Description:
– Ornamental Fountain Grass varieties are known for their graceful, arching foliage and fluffy, bottlebrush-like plumes that emerge in late summer or fall.
– Depending on the specific variety, Fountain Grass can range in height from 1 to 4 feet, with some cultivars reaching up to 6 feet under optimal growing conditions.
– These grasses are valued for their ornamental appeal and are often used as accent plants in borders, containers, or as standalone specimens in landscape beds.
Description
Planting Instructions:
- Timing: Plant Ornamental Fountain Grass in the spring after the danger of frost has passed or in the early fall. These times provide optimal growing conditions for establishment.
- Site Selection: Choose a planting site with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Ornamental Fountain Grass can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but it performs best in soils with good drainage.
- Soil Preparation: Prepare the planting area by removing any existing vegetation and debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches using a shovel or tiller. Incorporate organic matter, such as compost, to improve soil structure and fertility if needed.
- Planting: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the Fountain Grass plant. Place the plant in the hole at the same depth as it was growing in its container and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
- Spacing: Space multiple Fountain Grass plants according to the specific variety’s mature size, typically ranging from 1 to 3 feet apart.
- Watering: Water newly planted Fountain Grass regularly to keep the soil evenly moist during the establishment period, which usually lasts about 4 to 6 weeks. Once established, Fountain Grass is drought-tolerant and only requires occasional watering during dry periods.
- Maintenance: Ornamental Fountain Grass is low-maintenance once established. Remove spent flower heads in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Cut back the foliage to ground level in late winter or early spring to rejuvenate the plant and promote vigorous growth.
By following these planting instructions, you can enjoy the beauty and elegance of Ornamental Fountain Grass in your Wyoming landscape, adding texture and visual interest to your outdoor space.
