Purple fountain grass appears dead

Question

I have planted ornamental grasses the past two years and they have thrived during the summer. I cut them back in early spring. They get southern exposure adjacent to a patio. The first year I had a variegated leaf grass. This past year I planted purple fountain. I know that they are late to sprout, but it is June 19 and I see other ornamental grasses in the area growing well. Time to replace? Is there a more hardy grass that you would suggest for southeastern Wisconsin?

Answer 1

Yes, it is dead. Purple fountain grass is not hardy for your area.

This article has some alternatives you can consider:
http://www.walterreeves.com/gardening-q-and-a/alternatives-purple-fountain-grass/