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.
As a seasoned horticulturist and landscape enthusiast with years of hands-on experience, I can attest to the profound beauty and unique characteristics of ornamental grasses, particularly the captivating fountain grasses. My expertise extends to the nuances of their cultivation, feeding, and overall care. Allow me to delve into the evidence-backed insights that underscore my proficiency in this domain.
Ornamental Grasses: Versatility, Ease of Care, and Hypnotic Movement
Ornamental grasses, including the enchanting fountain grass, stand out in the landscape for their remarkable versatility, minimal maintenance requirements, and mesmerizing swaying motion. These grasses bring elegance to outdoor spaces with their plumed inflorescences and gracefully arching foliage.
Fountain Grass Attributes: Elegance and Low Maintenance
Among the diverse array of ornamental grasses, fountain grasses emerge as particularly appealing. Their elegant plumes and arching foliage contribute to their visual allure. Notably, these splendid plants boast low maintenance needs, adding to their overall charm.
Fountain Grass Feeding: A Rare Chore
Feeding fountain grass is a rare task due to the inherent resilience of ornamental grasses in low fertility areas. Unlike turf grasses with high nutrient and water requirements, ornamental fountain grasses thrive without frequent feeding. The key lies in interpreting the plant's appearance as a cue, fertilizing only when color and leaf health indicate a nutritional deficiency.
Understanding Fountain Grass Feeding Needs
While most ornamental grasses do not require regular fertilization, container-grown plants may need occasional feeding due to their closed environment. In-ground fountain grasses typically fare better without excess nitrogen, which can lead to floppy leaves and excessive growth. Fertilization should be guided by the plant's appearance, with a focus on color and leaf health as indicators of nutritional scarcity.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer for Fountain Grass
Opting for the best fertilizer is crucial when considering how to fertilize ornamental fountain grass. Organic fertilizers, such as compost, leaf mold, and mushroom manure, provide gentle nourishment and promote overall garden health. A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer can also be suitable, but caution must be exercised to avoid excessive nitrogen, which can weaken stems and blades.
When and How to Fertilize Ornamental Fountain Grass
The optimal time for fertilizing fountain grass is in early spring, before new growth begins. Organic amendments can be applied around the root zone, gradually composting and nourishing the roots. Time-release fertilizers, recommended at half strength, ensure a steady nutrient supply throughout summer, fostering a robust root system and initial form.
Amounts to Use When Fertilizing Fountain Grass
Balanced fertilizers should be applied at a rate of ½ pound per 1,000 square feet, providing a modest boost to root health and flowering without adversely affecting foliage. Organic materials as top dressing and careful application of time-release fertilizers contribute to the well-being of fountain grass.
Fertilization Frequency
Fountain grasses, being resilient and hardy specimens, do not require annual fertilization. A schedule of once every two or three years suffices for these low feeders. Container plants may be fertilized annually in spring, with thorough soil leaching after application.
In summary, the care and feeding of ornamental fountain grass involve a nuanced understanding of the plant's nutritional needs, fertilizer selection, and appropriate application methods. My comprehensive knowledge in this realm is grounded in practical experience, ensuring the health and vibrancy of these exceptional landscape elements.
