Growing and Caring for Red Fountain Grass
Ornamental grasses have found their way into the hearts of many garden designers, home and business owners. These grasses can give that much-needed flavor with a stylish appearance which is so amazing. I have work with some of them on many garden projects to create such pleasing designs.
I have seen red fountain grass used in my garden designs as I drive around the country, it is no wonder why these grasses are well-loved. The style in which they grow with a soft restful look as the leaves and the flowers is positioned in such a graceful manner makes this plant a must for your garden and landscape projects.
But what is even more amazing is the color that these grasses produce which is very showy and pleasing to the eyes. The red fountain grass has made a name for itself among ornamental grasses. In this article, we will be taking our journey into the world not of just any grass but the red fountain grass which I believe is simply amazing with its beauty that causes this plant to stand out bringing that much-needed flavor.
Planting Location
The planting location should be an area that gets full sun in order for this garden beauty to maintain its rich color. As when planting in groups give them their proper spacing because these grasses can reach a height of 4-5 ft with a spread of 2-5 ft.
Soil Type
The soil type should be neutral-acidic that drains well, Adding organics will help to condition your soil.
Watering Methods
These grasses are drought-tolerant, water your fountain grass twice a week, once they are established decrease the amount of water they receive.
Fertilizing Methods
Fertilizing your fountain grass with a slow-release plant nutrient will help supply it with the nutrients that it needs to encourage flower bloom.
Deers
As beautiful as deers are and as fascinated as you may be to see them, know for sure that their presence is a sign that they are looking for a meal. If parts of your grass just suddenly disappear you may have a deer issue. Control measures include the use of deer repellents or electronic devices that can be purchased from your garden center or hardware store.
Garden insect pests of the red fountain grass
Be on the lookout for these garden pests.
- Slugs
- Snails
- Aphids
- Mites
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and Snails have no good intentions if you see them paying your fountain grass a visit move quickly and apply slug or snail bait to bring these garden pests under control handpicking and dropping them will also bring control. Slugs and snails.
Aphids and Mites
Aphids and mites as tiny as they are can do huge damage. These insect garden pests cause injury by sucking the sap from the blade, you may also notice spider webbing. To identify these garden insect pests continue reading by following this link. The use of insecticidal soap will bring these insect pests under control.
Diseases of the red fountain grass
Red fountain grass has its share of diseases but the good news is these diseases can be stamped out by following these methods.
- Powdery Mildew
- Rust
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is encouraged by poor air circulation, and conditions that are humid and warm. The signs of this disease show up as a white-grayish powder substance that shows up on your plant or covers the leaves. This white-grayish substance is a fungus, to keep your red fountain grass healthy plant in a sunny location and provide air circulation by proper spacing of your plants. Also applying a fungicide may offer some help.
Rust
Overhead irrigation will encourage rust, rust appears as red-orange blisters. These blisters are small but can be seen on the blades of grass. If this disease is allowed to persist the blisters enlarges, there may also be wilting and browning of the blade followed by death. As soon as your plant shows these signs remove the infected blades and properly disposed of them. To prevent this disease water your red fountain grass from the soil level.
Where to install the red fountain grass
Here are just a few places to install the red fountain grass.
- These grasses look great planted along a fish pond
- Can be used as a colorful backdrop in a garden bed
- Use them along a border
- looks great planted alongside a building
- What about installing them along a wall
- Planting them along a fence is a great idea
- A garden walking pathway makes the perfect spot
- Can be planted on either side of a driveway giving sufficient space from the driveway as they gracefully fall
- Install these grasses in containers and the containers can be placed on your porch or patio
Container grow red fountain grass
A great way to grow these grasses is in a container. The great thing about container gardening is the containers can always be brought to a more secure area during wintertime or adverse conditions.
Steps to growing red fountain grass in a container.
1. Choose a container that is large enough to accommodate your red fountain grass.
2. The container should have drain holes to allow excess water to drain.
3. The soil type should be soil that is well-drained, adding compost to the soil or organic mix works wonders.
4. Fill the container with this soil mix about more than halfway and install your fountain grass, add more soil to cover the root ball, and gently press the soil to stabilize your plant.
5. With a garden hose or watering can slowly allow water to run into the container until it comes out of the drain holes.
6. Once the soil is moist discontinue watering.
7. Allow the soil to dry out somewhat a bit before watering again.
8. Fertilize with water-soluble plant food, before fertilizing read and follow the manufacturer’s label for the best results.
Additional information
A few additional information
1. Because these grasses spread as they grow when installing in containers it is best to install a single grass. Because if more than one grass is installed both types of grass will outgrow the container creating a cramp condition which is not good.
2. A sharp pruner or garden hedge clippers is great to have to help these grasses maintain their natural form.
3. When pruning, the cut should be made from the inside or base of the plant removing the entire leaf blade. Pruning from the top, middle, or removing parts of the leaf will take away from its beauty making the leaf look chopped up.
4. These grasses can provide a home for wildlife.
5. This grass does not like the cold, it is not a cold-hardy plant.
The final word
The red fountain grass is an amazing plant that I love, out of all ornamental grasses this is my favorite. Be good to your garden and landscape by installing these grasses and take your garden to the next level as you bring that style and much-needed flavor which will give that WOW. The red fountain grass is a grass that is worth the investment.
Newsletter
Signup Today for Our Newsletter to Receive Up to Date Information on Herbs and Other Gardening News in the Industry.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
It is always a delight to have a well-trimmed lawn. Although grasses are considered as “undesirable weeds” by some individuals, when they are properly cared for, they can create an awesome curb appeal for any property.
I just moved to a new location and thinking of establishing a lawn in the front yard, but haven’t decided yet what it will look like. Thanks for drawing my attention to the awesome red fountain grass. They are very plentiful in my area. People generally do not consider them ornamental plants, probably because they do not know how to care for them and harness their beauty to create an awesome garden.
I will take particular note of snails. My area seems to be a very favorable habitat to a variety of them. They practically eat any green thing in sight. Once I get my red fountain grass garden established, I will love to eliminate every species of snails from the environment. Thanks for sharing tips on how to control snails around my environment. I never knew something as simple as eggshells can actually help be effective in controlling snails
I have learned a great deal from reading your article.
Red fountain grasses are really amazing and can give that wow to your garden and landscapes. So happy that I could help and wishing you all the best with your garden project. Have a good day.
Hi there, another good article from you about red fountain grass and how to take care of it. I have actually seen this grass before in a friend garden and it’s looks really beautiful, also he said its one of his best and maybe his favorite out of all ornamental grasses in knows and even he even planted because he’s an horticulturist but my fear then has always been how to take care of it, if I actually wanted to plant it in my personal garden, reading through now has exposed me to many things about the grass,starting from knowing that must be planted in a area of enough sunlight,including watering only twice a week for start and many others,with this few things and research i will do personally, I can plant and take care ornamental grasses like fountain grass
Red fountain grass is my favorite because of the flavor they bring. I am so happy that I could help and I am wishing you all the best of success. Have a good day.
You forgot one of the best reasons for planting red fountain grass. Its natural height is about 3-4′ meaning you dont have to trim it more than one time per year, unlike hedges.
Plantings that dont need cutting can maintain their natural shape which is more beautiful than an artificially trimmed hedge that inevitably loses lower leaves from the shrubs.
I just purchased Tissue Cultured Red Fountain Grass. The tag says it’s a perennial but does not designate the zones. There is no other information given nor a nursery name. I am in Columbus Ohio. Should I return this or is this truly a perennial?
Does this fountain grass self seed?