Fertilizing Fountain Grass – When And What To Feed Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are unique in the landscape for their versatility, ease of care, and hypnotic movement. Fountain grasses are one of the more appealing of the group, with elegant, plumed inflorescences and arching foliage. These splendid plants are low maintenance, which adds to their appeal. Fountain grass feeding is a rare chore because ornamental grasses like these thrive in low fertility areas. However, let the appearance of the plant be your cue and fertilize only when color and leaf health are indicative of nutritional scarcity.
Fountain Grass Feeding
Most ornamental grasses do not need to be fertilized. Container plants need occasional feeding because they are in a closed environment, but in-ground plants usually do better without extra nitrogen, which can make leaves floppy and cause excess growth and limp plants. If you feel you need to fertilize your plants, you need to learn how to fertilize ornamental fountain grass and, more importantly, what to feed ornamental grasses. Ornamental fountain grass can thrive for years in poor soil without any feeding. These grasses are different from turf grass, which has heavy nutrient and water needs. Fountain grass is a tough, hardy plant that can grow too much foliage at the expense of the lovely plumes if fed too much. Excess food can also cause an unstable plant with limp blades. In the first year, fountain grass can benefit from some organic fertilizer applied at planting time. Alternatively, the best fertilizer for fountain grass is a time release fertilizer that will last through summer and help the plant build a vigorous root system and initial form.
How to Fertilize Ornamental Fountain Grass
If you feel you must fertilize your grass, choose the best fertilizer for fountain grass. Organic fertilizers are gentle and easy for plant roots to uptake, as well as healthy for the entire garden. When choosing what to feed ornamental grasses, try organic soil amendments such as compost, leaf mold, mushroom manure, and other easily broken-down organic substances. You may also choose to use a basic 10-10-10 balanced food. Just be sure the first number isn't higher than 10, as that would add excess nitrogen and weaken the stems and blades of the grass. Once you choose the type of fertilizer you are going to use, you need to know how much to apply. The optimum time for fertilizing fountain grass is in early spring before new growth has begun.
Amounts to Use When Fertilizing Fountain Grass
A balanced fertilizer should be applied at a rate of ½ pound per 1,000 square feet (227 g. per 93 sq. m.). This is a very small amount, just enough to boost root health and flowering, but not enough to affect the foliage. Organic materials can be added as a top dressing around the root zone. They will gradually compost in and feed the roots. Time release fertilizers should be applied half strength from the manufacturer's recommendation. This will still be plenty of extra nutrients for your grass. After any application of fertilizer, always water the plant and root area thoroughly. It is not necessary to fertilize the plant every year. Once every two or three years is sufficient for these low feeders. Container plants can be fertilized once annually in spring but carefully leach soil after application. If you are in doubt about how much and how to fertilize your plant, simply leave it alone. Fountain grasses are resilient, hardy specimens who will actually thrive without extra nutrients.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Bonnie Grant is a professional landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.
-
Why So Many Gardeners Are Switching To Peat-Free Compost – And Why You Should, Too
There are plenty of alternatives to peat moss, like peat-free compost and coconut coir. Learn why peat moss has lost favor among gardeners, and make the change!
By Amy Grant
-
Planting Perennials In Fall: How To Ensure New Shrubs And Flowers Thrive
Fall is the perfect time to get a head start on your garden goals by planting many perennial varieties. Come spring time, they will be raring to go.
By Tonya Barnett
-
Fountain Grass Varieties – Learn About Popular Fountain Grass Plants
There are many fountain grass cultivars. Hardiness and growing conditions can vary depending on variety. Click to learn more.
By Amy Grant
-
Red Fountain Grass Care – What Is Crimson Fountain Grass
Red fountain ornamental grass is a showy, clump forming grass with burgundy red leaves and feathery plumes of rosy purple blooms, also known as crimson fountain grass.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Little Honey Fountain Grass – How To Grow Pennisetum Little Honey
If you want a showy, ornamental grass, you should try growing little honey fountain grass. Read on to learn more.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Little Bunny Fountain Grass Care: Growing Little Bunny Fountain Grass
Most types of fountain grasses grow pretty large, making them unsuitable choices for small spaces. The miniature Little Bunny dwarf fountain grass, however, is perfect for tiny areas. Learn more about Little Bunny fountain grass in this article.
By Laura Miller
-
Fountain Grass Trimming – How To Treat Brown Tips On Fountain Grass
Fountain grass plants are easy to grow and generally unfussy, but occasional brown tips on fountain grass can be a clue to incorrect site conditions, cultural care or simply a natural process. There are several browning fountain grass causes, so click here for more info.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Fountain Grass Turning White: My Fountain Grass Is Bleaching Out
Near the end of the season, you may find your fountain grass turning white, bleached, and unappealing. What is happening? Is there some sort of terrible fountain grass problem? Find the answers in this article. Click here for more info.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Tips For Fountain Grass Pruning: Cutting Back Fountain Grass
Fountain grasses are a reliable and pretty addition to the home landscape, adding drama and height. But when do you prune fountain grass? In the fall, winter or in the spring? And how? This article will help.
By Heather Rhoades
-
Tips For Care Of Fountain Grass
Fountain grass is a mound-forming ornamental grass and a garden favorite, as the care of fountain grass is easy. You can learn more about growing fountain grass in the article that follows.
By Nikki Tilley