Purple Fountain Grass is a warm-season grass that will reach a finished height of 30 inches or more. They are good for landscaping or in combination planters if it is a large container. Purple Fountain Grass produce long, wheat-like blooms with purple seedheads that have a fuzzy, hairy feel to them. They are tender hardy and will survive in zones 9 and higher. They make a wonderful annual for the rest of us, as these plants are normally disease- and pest-free and remarkably easy to grow.
General Growing Tips For Your Rooted Cutting Liner
For best results with Purple Fountain Grass, use a constant feed program of 200 ppm N. A pH between 5.5 and 6.5 is important for the healthiest plant color.
Flowering
Purple Fountain Grass will bloom naturally in the spring, summer, and fall as the days are long. It produces a long, wheat-like bloom with purple and burgundy hairs on the seedhead.
Pinching
Purple Fountain Grass do not require pinching.
Spacing
Space the plants as needed based on their size. They can be grown in spaced 4" pots for retail sales or in 1801s for landscape use. They can also be used a centerpiece in a large combination floor pot.
Height Control
Plant growth regulators are not necessary.
Pests
Occasionally mealybugs are a pest you should watch out for, but Purple Fountain Grass do not normally attract many pests.
Disease
Purple Fountain Grass is not prone to many diseases, but don't oversaturate the soil. If the plant sits in moist soil for an extended amount of time, you could end up with root rot or botrytis. Botrytis grey rot is usually associated with wet or humid conditions. You can prevent botrytis by allowing the plant to dry out between waterings, allowing for good airflow in your greenhouse, and spacing to allow the sun to penetrate to the soil level. The most common chemicals used to treat botrytis and root rot are Medallion and Banrot. Use them as a drench according to each label's instructions.
Planting Purple Fountain Grass Liners
- We recommend planting 1 starter plants per 10 inch basket. Use a well-drained soil in your baskets and plant your starter plants deep, allowing the ellepot to be completely covered by the soil. If you are planting 4" pots, 1 plant per pot should be sufficient. Plant it directly in the middle of your pot. You can also use 1 plant as a centerpiece in a combination planter.
- Pinching is not required.
Rooted Cuttings
Cuttings vary in size between different plant families. These rooted starter plants will arrive ready to be transplanted in to your final container. If they are to be used in a landscape application, you will need to establish them in a 4 inch pot or an 1801 before planting outside.
Purple Fountain Grass Quick Reference Guide
| 4 Inch crop time | 6 Weeks |
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| 10 Inch crop time | 8-10 weeks |
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| Bloom Period | Fall, Spring, Summer |
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| Color | Purple |
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| Habit | Upright |
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| Height | 3 Feet |
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| Light | Full Sun |
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| Minimum Temp | 60 |
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| Perennial Zone | Not Hardy |
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| Water Needs | Light |
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| Patented Plant | No |
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