My Cassian fountain grass grew extremely well last year and I was so looking forward to its second year. We had several hard frosts this winter, which is very uncommon for south Georgia, and most all of my other plants survived. However, the fountain grass has yet to show any kind of growth at all. Is it one of those plants that starts growing later in the spring, or do you suspect that it is dead? I have noticed that a neighbor's purple fountain grass has not started to grow yet either.
They require patience, as they’re slow to get growing but will by late spring/early summer.
I have three dwarf fountain grass plants in the front of our landscaping and the center round area in each plant is compacted and not growing at all. This started last season and got worse over the winter and the only growth we have now is a little green growth around the circumference of each plant. Will this continue to grow? Is the whole plant dead? Can it be divided and replanted? Thanks!
You did not indicate how long you've had your dwarf plants however, I highly recommend dividing. These plants are low-low maintenance -every year I let the plants be then trim them way down and pull off dead growth as soon as last frost is gone. The plants seem to really thrive from this and come back with beautiful new fronds each year. I have had to divide a plant or two and there are several detailed instructions online on how to do this.
I have planted fountain grasses, but Florida cold weather has killed them. What is similar to it, but cold hardy?
I am puzzled about your question. Generally, these plants are quite hardy in your region, as they're warm-season grasses and Florida rarely suffers from too many harsh winters. Are you certain they are dead. Perhaps your fountain grass is still dormant. They typically emerge in late spring to early summer.
Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/fountain-grass/tips-for-care-of-fountain-grass.htm
What can I feed my dwarf Hameln fountain grass?
Ornamental grasses typically do not require fertilizer for lush, healthy growth. However, if you do choose to apply fertilizer, organic fertilizers (well-rotted manure, leaf mold, etc.) are excellent for ornamental grasses, as these release their nutrients slowly. If you don’t have easy access to any of these, you can simply purchase a bag of organic fertilizer for lawns.
I pruned back my fountain grass early this spring. It has been about a month since I did this and there is no new growth at all. It is planted in a sunny spot and gets plenty of water. What did I do wrong?
This winter was particularly cold for most of the US. It is possible that it simply got too cold. Another possibility is that if the area it is growing in is too wet, it cannot tolerate that over the winter. Here is an article to help you determine if it is dead or just on a slow start:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm
It's the first of May and my fountain grasses show no signs of green. They were planted last summer. I cut them back earlier this spring. When can I expect them to start greening up?
This is a warm-season grass and typically thrives in warmer temps—they require patience, as they’re slow to get growing but begin greening up by late spring/early summer.
I planted red fountain grass last year around my pool and it it grew and thrived wonderfully. In late winter, we cut it back as directed and it is now May with no sign of it returning. Is it dead or am I being impatient?
This cold has damaged many plants this year, so it is possible that they did not make it due to the unusual cold. This article will help you determine if they are dead or not:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm
I would give them another two weeks, but if you do not see anything by then, they are likely dead.