Caring for Fountain Grass

Fountain grass is genuinely low-maintenance once established. Its water needs are low, and mature plants tolerate drought well thanks to deep roots. In a typical year you won't need to water at all, though newly planted specimens benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells in their first summer. Avoid overwatering or planting in poorly drained spots, as this grass resents sitting in wet soil, particularly in winter. Feed once a year in April with a general-purpose granular fertiliser such as blood, fish and bone or Growmore, scattered lightly around the base of the clump. A single application is enough; overfeeding produces lush, floppy growth that's prone to flopping and less tolerant of cold. On poor sandy soils a light top-dressing of garden compost in spring can be beneficial, but on average to fertile soil no additional feeding is necessary. Fountain grass is fully hardy in zones 5a–9b and overwinters reliably in temperate Europe without protection. The dried foliage left standing provides natural insulation for the crown. In very exposed or wet gardens, a loose collar of grit or gravel around the crown can help prevent winter rot, but this is rarely needed in well-drained sites. Pests are uncommon. Slugs occasionally nibble emerging shoots in spring but rarely cause serious damage. Diseases are also rare, though crown rot can occur if the plant sits in waterlogged soil over winter—good drainage at planting time is the best prevention. In prolonged wet summers, rust may occasionally appear as orange spots on leaves, but it's seldom serious and disappears as conditions dry out.