Even in the middle of winter, fountain grass (Pennisetum) looks absolutely stunning in the garden. To make sure yours stays happy and healthy year-round, picking the right spot is key. Let’s dive into what this ornamental grass really needs to thrive.
The Perfect Spot for Your Fountain Grass
If you want lush, full growth, fountain grass needs plenty of light. It’s a sun-worshiper at heart, so a full-sun location is where it’ll be happiest. While fountain grass is generally hardy, a sheltered spot near a wall or the side of your house can give it a little extra protection during winter dormancy. Just keep an eye on the moisture—the soil shouldn’t dry out completely. If it gets too thirsty, your ornamental grass might skip its blooming phase entirely.
Give It Some Breathing Room
If you’re planning on planting a few of these beauties, make sure they have enough elbow room. For the popular “Hameln” variety, you’ll want to leave at least 24 to 28 inches between plants. Taller varieties of fountain grass are real space hogs and need at least ten square feet to themselves.
Fountain grass also looks fantastic when paired with other plants. The trick is to choose neighbors that love the same sunny conditions. When spacing them out, go with the larger spacing requirement of the two plants. Here are a few great companions for fountain grass:
- Asters
- Japanese Anemones
- Oriental Poppies
- Lavender
- Sage
One place you definitely shouldn’t plant fountain grass is under a tree. It won’t just struggle with the shade; it also hates competing with heavy tree roots for nutrients and space.
The Best Soil for Fountain Grass
When it comes to soil, fountain grass isn’t too picky. It loves well-draining garden soil that’s rich in nutrients. You can give it a great head start by mixing some compost into the dirt before you plant.
The one thing it can’t stand is “wet feet.” Heavy, compacted soil that holds too much water is a no-go. If your soil is a bit dense, you can lighten it up with some coarse sand or fine gravel. Adding a drainage layer is a smart move to keep water moving, and if you’re growing fountain grass in containers, a drainage layer is absolutely essential!
