Table of Contents
As the seasons change, it’s important to prepare your purple fountain grass for fall to ensure it remains healthy and vibrant through the winter months. Proper fall care helps promote strong growth in the next season and protects your plant from harsh weather conditions.
1. Assess Your Purple Fountain Grass
Start by inspecting your purple fountain grass. Look for signs of damage, disease, or pests. Remove any dead or damaged foliage to keep the plant healthy. This also helps improve air circulation around the plant.
2. Pruning and Trimming
Prune the grass back to about 4-6 inches above the ground after it has gone dormant. Use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts. Removing old growth encourages new, healthy shoots in the spring.
3. Watering Adjustments
Reduce watering as the weather cools. Purple fountain grass is drought tolerant, so avoid overwatering during fall. Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
4. Fertilization
Stop fertilizing in late summer or early fall. Fertilizer encourages new growth that may not harden off before winter. Focus on healthy root development instead.
5. Mulching and Protection
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to insulate the roots and protect against temperature fluctuations. In colder regions, consider covering the grass with burlap or a frost cloth for extra protection.
6. Cutting Back and Cleanup
Once the plant has gone dormant and the foliage has turned brown, do a final cleanup. Remove fallen leaves and debris to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering.
7. Overwintering Tips
In colder climates, consider digging up the root clump and storing it indoors in a cool, dry place. Alternatively, leave the plant in the ground if it is hardy to your zone, and ensure it is well-protected with mulch.
8. Final Checklist
- Inspect and remove damaged foliage
- Prune to 4-6 inches
- Adjust watering schedule
- Apply mulch for insulation
- Protect in colder regions
- Clean up fallen debris
- Consider overwintering options
Following this fall care checklist will help ensure your purple fountain grass stays healthy and ready to thrive when spring arrives. Proper preparation now can lead to a beautiful, lush display next season.