I have been given what I believe to be a fountain grass but a lot of the grass 'leaves' are partially dead, at the ends. Should I extract the whole of the leaf/blade of grass or add something to the soil? Is it best kept in a pot or planted in the garden? It is also looking very untidy and bedraggled from its transport, so would it help to trim it right back and, if so, how much? Is it too late to do it this year? I have seen an article referring to fluffy caterpillar like flowers on a Pennisetum so I think this may be what I have.
I would trim your fountain grass back 4-6 inches above the ground to get rid of the dead looking ends and, no, it is not too late. More information on pruning fountain grass can be found here:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/fountain-grass/fountain-grass-pruning.htm
As for where to plant, it's really a matter of personal preference. You can plant your fountain grass in a container or in your garden.
For more information on fountain grasses, please visit the following links:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/fountain-grass/tips-for-care-of-fountain-grass.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ornamental-grass/ornamental-grass-in-pots.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/purple-fountain-grass/over-wintering-fountain-grass.htm
I planted 2 medium Fountain Grass plants last year in the fall. Now spring is here and I cleaned out all my garden boxes and the grasses look dead. They're all brown, and I don't see any new growth in the center except regular grass that I have taken out. My husband thinks we're supposed to cut it back to the ground so new growth can come up. Can you please tell me how to care for this plant? This is my first flower garden. I have one on each end of the box, not sure if I should take them out and put them on the outside of the box. Thank you, Cherie
The best time to prune back Dwarf Fountain Grass is in the spring before new growth has begun. Here is an article that will tell you more;
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/fountain-grass/tips-for-care-of-fountain-grass.htm
My fountain Grass tends to fall over during windy or rainy days. Is there a method to trim back a bit during growing season? I don't want to have to stake and tie up. Last year I had to keep them staked and tied to keep them standing. Thank You for any help with this. David Richardson
Here are some links that will help you correct this issue.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/ornamental-grass/ornamental-grass-falling-over.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/purple-fountain-grass/grow-purple-fountain-grass.htm
Starting to get these spots on the leaves. Almost round and about the size of an eraser head. Yellow/black color. Each spot looks almost exactly the same. Ideas?
This does sound like a case of Leaf Spot.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/alternaria-leaf-spot.htm
Treat it with Neem Oil.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
Our conifers failed in a raised bed southern facing planting. It is shaded in the afternoon by trees in our front yard. We are considering planting fountain grass in their place. I am wondering if they will survive. We live in mid-Michigan. I am also concerned with the snow crushing the plants as it did to the conifers. We usually loosely wrapped them with burlap to keep them from splitting down the middle from the weight of the snow.
It might be helpful to have your soil tested before planting to learn whether there are any serious limitations or nutrient deficiencies that need correction. Here is some information on site selection and care of fountain grass:
The article mentions that fountain grass prefers full sun. If the site is shaded for more than half the day, you might want to choose one of the shade-tolerant ornamental grasses discussed here (of course, make sure it is also winter-hardy in your location's climate):
http://extension.illinois.edu/beyond/directory_grasses.cfm
Follow the advice in this article for pruning:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/fountain-grass/fountain-grass-pruning.htm
The grass will die back during the winter, so the snow shouldn't be a problem.
Can Fireworks Fountain Grass be brought indoors during the winter? It will not survive in Zone 5 outside.
Yes, you can bring this fountain grass indoors. See this article:
I have dwarf fountain grass planted in a big pot. I want to cut off the grass and bring it inside for decoration. Can I do this? I want to bring the pot indoors so it can be taken outdoors next year again. Can I also do this and when should I prune it?
Yes, you can cut the grass off at about 3 to 4 inches above the soil line.
You can leave the pots in a sheltered area or even a garage for the summer. Make sure you check the pots occasionally to make sure they have not dried out completely. I like to check them about once a month and add a small amount of moisture if the soil is cracking.
Place the pots back outdoors in the spring after danger of frost.