Giant Fountain Grass

Upon Arrival:

Some Perennials will be shipped to you in pots and may have actively growing green leaves. These pots should be immersed in water upon arrival to thoroughly soak the root ball. These growing plants must be hardened off before planting outside. Keep in a cool bright room, and place outside on mild days and gradually leave outside for longer periods of time. After a week or so, or when nighttime temperatures are above freezing, plant outside. If a severe dip in temperature is expected, you may want to place straw or an old blanket over the green leaves to protect them from severe damage. Frost or cold will not permanently hurt the plant, but it may damage the new leaves and set growth back.

Planting:

Start by digging a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the container that is currently housing your plants. Provide at least three feet of space between them for adequate airflow. Remove them from the containers and gently loosen the roots. Add a bit of compost to the planting hole, then water, and place the transplant in the hole. The crown should be positioned slightly below the soil line. Fill in the rest of the hole with soil, firm it in place, then water deeply. Water weekly until established.

Growing:

Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, though it won’t flower quite as well. This grass can be grown in most kinds of soil but does best in fertile loam. Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0 to 7.0 is preferred. Leave the stems on your grasses for winter interest. Remove dead stems to almost ground level in early spring.

Dividing:

Grasses can be divided in early spring if the clump is too large and/or you would like new plants, or if the center becomes sparse and woody.