How to Grow Red Fountain Grass

Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) is a common, ornamental grass desirable for its gracefully drooping form and slender flower spikes. The true species features purplish-pink flowers, which is how the plant got its common name, but many cultivars of P. setaceum that feature reddish-colored leaves and stems are also called "red" fountain grasses. Fountain grass is known for its durability and being easy to care for, according to the website Floridata.com. In fact, fountain grass is so hardy that it has escaped cultivation in Australia, California and Florida.

• 1

  Choose a planting site that's exposed to full sunlight. The plant blooms best when situated in full sun, according to the University of Oklahoma.

• 2

  Water once per week during the growing season (spring and summer), but reduce watering to only once a month at other times during the year. This plant is very drought tolerant and can survive in hot, dry soil.

• 3

  Fertilize red fountain grass once a month during the growing season with a balanced (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) perennial fertilizer.

• 4

  Dig up and divide the rhizomes in late winter or early spring if you want to propagate the plant. While the true species propagates by seed, some of the improved cultivars do not produce seeds.

• 5

  If your plant produces seeds, remove spent flower stalks (plumes) before they can go to seed. This will prevent the plant from spreading, and perhaps becoming invasive.