Dwarf Fountain Grass

Dwarf Fountain Grass typically grows to about 2 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, including its airy flower plumes. Its compact size makes it perfect for borders, mass plantings, containers, or low-maintenance landscape beds.

Dwarf Fountain Grass has a moderate growth rate, reaching its mature size within one growing season in ideal conditions. It’s a warm-season grass, so you’ll notice most of its growth in late spring through summer once soil temperatures rise.

Plant Dwarf Fountain Grass in full sun, where it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a location with well-draining soil, as it doesn’t tolerate soggy roots. It thrives in USDA Zones 5–9 and is especially well-suited for low-water landscapes, rock gardens, and modern borders.

For a natural, flowing look, space Dwarf Fountain Grass 18 to 24 inches apart. If you want a tighter, fuller appearance for borders or mass plantings, space them closer to 15 inches center to center. This spacing allows the soft mounds to gently touch and create a seamless display.

To grow Dwarf Fountain Grass in a pot:
1. Use a container that’s at least 12–16 inches wide with drainage holes.
2. Fill with well-draining potting soil, ideally mixed with sand or perlite.
3. Place the container in full sun for best performance.
4. Water regularly, especially in summer, but let the top inch of soil dry between waterings.
5. Fertilize once in spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer.

Container-grown grass adds great texture to patios and decks and can be overwintered in protected areas in colder zones.

This ornamental grass is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. Here’s how to keep it thriving:
• Sunlight: Full sun (6+ hours daily)
• Water: Water regularly during the first season. Once established, it only needs occasional watering.
• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil; avoid heavy, wet clay
• Fertilizer: Feed once in spring with a slow-release fertilizer
• Pruning: Cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth appears

It’s deer-resistant, disease-tolerant, and perfect for adding year-round texture to any garden.

Dwarf Fountain Grass blooms in mid to late summer, with soft, tan to pinkish bottlebrush-like plumes that rise above the foliage. These flower spikes persist into fall and winter, providing seasonal interest even after blooming ends.

Common reasons Dwarf Fountain Grass isn’t blooming include:
• Too much shade: It needs full sun to produce plumes—less light means fewer or no flowers.
• Young age or new planting: Newly planted grasses may take one full season to settle in before blooming reliably.
• Over-fertilization: Excess nitrogen encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Use a balanced or low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring.
• Late pruning: Cutting it back too late in the season can remove forming flower buds.

With proper light and care, it should return to bloom consistently each summer.

Browning is usually normal seasonal dieback, especially in fall and winter.

Other possible reasons include:
• Dormancy: In cooler climates, the plant naturally turns brown in fall and goes dormant through winter.
• Overwatering or poor drainage: Root rot from soggy soil can cause foliage to brown early.
• Lack of sunlight: Shaded plants may show signs of stress and browning.
• Old foliage: Like most ornamental grasses, older leaves age and brown over time.

Cutting it back in late winter will refresh the plant and encourage lush, green growth in spring.

Yes, cutting back Dwarf Fountain Grass is recommended once per year to keep it tidy and healthy.
• Prune in late winter or early spring, just before new growth begins.
• Cut the plant down to 4–6 inches above the ground using clean garden shears or hedge trimmers.
• Avoid pruning in fall, as the plumes add visual interest and provide shelter for birds through winter.

Regular pruning encourages fresh, vibrant foliage each growing season.

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