Is My Red Fountain Grass Dead Or Still Not Sprouting Yet?

Question

This is my 3rd year trying to keep ‘red fountain grass.’ I cut them back around the end of December to mid-January. I live in the North Georgia Mountains. Here it is again in early June and still nothing yet. The previous two years I returned them to Lowe’s and replaced them. Now this is my third try. Is it still too early to see any growth? Should I wait longer? I see numerous grasses (pampas, porcupine, zebra), etc. that appear so large that I do not think they were ever pruned back. Help. caplack

Answer 1

I think you would have seen foliage by now. Are you sure it isn't purple fountain grass which is also called red fountain grass? This one is not hardy in your area and is grown as an annual. Fireworks is a red variegated grass but it's not hardy in your zone either.
I suggest replacing it with a hardier plant. Here are some ideas:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-6/zone-6-ornamental-grass.htm