When to plant Fountain Grass?

Fountain grass thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it ideal for sunny borders, gravel gardens, or prairie-style plantings. It tolerates both loam and sandy soils but dislikes heavy clay or waterlogged conditions. Before planting, work in some grit or sharp sand if your soil is prone to sitting wet, especially over winter. Plant container-grown fountain grass in April, May, or September. Spring planting gives the roots a full growing season to establish before winter, while September planting works well if the soil is still warm and you can water during dry spells. Dig a hole roughly twice the width of the root ball and about the same depth. The crown of the plant—where the stems meet the roots—should sit at soil level, not buried deeper. Space plants 60 cm apart to allow each clump room to develop its characteristic arching fountain shape without crowding neighbours. If you're planting in groups, stagger them in drifts rather than rigid rows for a more natural effect. After planting, firm the soil gently around the roots and water thoroughly to settle everything in. A 5 cm layer of gravel or grit mulch around the base helps suppress weeds and improves drainage, which is particularly useful on heavier soils. Avoid organic mulches like bark or compost piled against the crown, as fountain grass prefers drier conditions at its base. Water regularly for the first few weeks if rainfall is scarce, but once established this grass has low water needs and tolerates dry spells well.