Dwarf Fountain Grass

Hameln Dwarf Fountain Grass will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.

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.

What is the smallest fountain grass?

The Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass is the smallest of the fountain grasses. Its unique size helps it fit in just about anywhere. It has cream colored seed heads stick out on top of the green foliage giving it a sophisticated look. Its foliage turns golden in the fall.

How far apart to plant dwarf fountain grass?

For best spacing plant dwarf fountain grass 3 to 4 feet apart.

What makes fountain grass a problem?

Fountain Grass readily moves in to wild areas and displaces the native plants that would otherwise provide habitat for the birds, butterflies, lizards, and multitude of other creatures that make their homes in this wonderful place we call California.

Do you cut back dwarf fountain grass?

Fountain grass is a warm season grass that is dormant during the winter and begins growth after the coolest weather is past. You can trim the top any time from fall until growth resumes in the spring.

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

If you don't cut back your ornamental grasses, they not only might look untidy with depreciated foliage, but they also might spread their seeds in unwanted areas. Plus, fresh foliage in the spring might have a difficult time growing through the depreciated foliage.

How do you winterize fountain grass?

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.

Does fountain grass like sun or shade?

Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) 'Hameln' flowers best in full sun, although it can take partial shade. Hardy in Zones 5-9, the plants produce fluffy, buff-colored blooms from late summer to fall; birds are attracted to their seeds. This ornamental grass grows 18-30" tall in spreading clumps.

Is dwarf fountain grass invasive?

Fountain grass is present in much of the western United States and is a big problem invasive species in Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and California.

What can I plant instead of fountain grass?

• Leafy Reedgrass. (Calamagrostis foliosa)
• Deergrass. (Muhlenbergia rigens) ...
• Alkali Sacaton. (Sporobolus airoides) ...
• Purple Needlegrass. (Stipa pulchra) ...
• Tufted Hairgrass. (Deschampsia cespitosa)

Is Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain grass a perennial?

Perfect for small gardens, Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Little Bunny' (Fountain Grass) is a miniature perennial grass forming a dense clump of gracefully arching linear leaves. Dark green in summer, they turn gold in the fall before fading to buff. The showy foliage usually remains attractive until frost.

Should fountain grass be cut back in winter?

Answering your first question on how to thin out the plant and what to do with the falling outer “stalks” (flowers) --the best time to prune fountain grass is late winter or early spring--but be sure to prune before the grass begins to re-grow. Also avoid pruning in the fall before the plant has had time to go dormant.

Will fountain grass survive winter?

You can bring fountain grass plants inside and save them in the basement, garage, or other semi-cool area. As long as there are no freezing temperatures and moderate light, the plant will survive winter.

Does fountain grass turn brown in winter?

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 fountain grass toxic to dogs?

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum) can add a great deal of height to your flower gardens, are beautiful when they bloom, and are considered non-toxic to pets. Feel at ease with these in your yard!

What kills fountain grass?

Herbicides are an effective way of removing ornamental grasses, grassy weeds and other problem plants. Glyphosate is a particularly effective herbicide, and careful application in a spray will concentrate the chemicals onto just the ornamental grasses.

Does fountain grass reseed itself?

It grows to about two to three feet tall and reseeds with ease. However, it does not usually grow true to seed. Plants are hardy in Zones 5 to 9.

Does fountain grass need a lot of water?

The plant is drought tolerant so watering sufficiently every week or two should be adequate. Although not required, you can give it an annual feeding with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring to help stimulate new growth.

Does fountain grass have invasive roots?

It prefers sun and moisture, but needs well-drained soil. Fountain grass reseeds and may be invasive into natural areas.