Little Bluestem Red Frost

It can handle it with ease! Fountain grass (Pennisetum) is classified in the beginner-friendly category. Once you plant the seedling in a sunny location with well-drained soil and it becomes established, it requires virtually no special care. A spring trim and occasional watering during the driest periods are all it needs.

We recommend planting the seedlings with a spacing of about 50 cm. If you are planning a mass planting in a flower bed, count on 3 to 5 plants per square meter. This will ensure the grass has enough sunlight and space to grow both in width and height.

Cut back the dried clump only in the spring, ideally in March or early April, before new green shoots begin to emerge. Cut the grass with sharp pruning shears approximately 5 to 10 cm above the ground. Never cut it back in the autumn.

Once the seedlings have rooted well after planting, they are very drought-tolerant. They only require watering during extremely long dry spells. Originating from North American prairies, the plant is accustomed to managing well with less water and does not need regular watering.

Yes, you can grow Pennisetum in large pots or spacious planters. However, it is absolutely crucial to ensure excellent drainage for the container (e.g., a layer of expanded clay at the bottom) and a sufficiently large drainage hole. In winter, be careful that the pot does not freeze through completely or become permanently waterlogged from melting snow.

It thrives best in permeable and sandy soil. It does not require many nutrients and tolerates poorer soil very well. It is important that the soil is not permanently waterlogged, especially over winter, as excessive moisture could lead to root rot.

Pennisetum is fully frost-resistant down to -23 °C (climate zone 6a), so it handles our winters without any problems, and you do not need to cover it for the winter. We recommend leaving its dry leaves and stalks untrimmed over winter—they create a wonderful winter effect in the garden, especially when covered in frost, and they also naturally protect the roots from freezing.

The blooms appear in late summer and autumn, specifically in the months of August, September, and October. The flowers are very delicate, elegantly pendulous, and have unusually shaped inflorescences in purple, burgundy, and brown shades.

Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) 'Red Frost' is an ornamental perennial prairie grass known for its stunning color transformation. In spring, it emerges in gray-green shades, but as autumn approaches, its leaves and elegant, pendulous spikes turn a striking red to burgundy color. It looks very attractive in the garden and reaches a height of 80 to 120 cm.

You can be completely at ease; growing it is perfectly safe for your surroundings. Fountain grass is not poisonous nor toxic to humans, dogs, cats, or other pets. It is an ideal choice for family gardens where children play.

Little bluestem looks fantastic in the company of other tall ornamental grasses (e.g., switchgrass, miscanthus, or feather grass). It also pairs very well with sun-loving flowering perennials such as coneflowers (Echinacea), stonecrops (Sedum), asters (Aster), or bee balm (Monarda).

For successful growth, choose a fully sunny location. Fountain grass loves the sun, which is exactly what gives it its famous vibrant red and burgundy autumn coloring. In the shade, the plant may weaken, lose its sturdy shape, and fail to color as effectively.

Certainly! The striking and delicately drooping inflorescences are great for cutting for fresh summer and autumn bouquets. They are equally suitable for drying. If you dry them in a well-ventilated room, they will last as a beautiful interior decoration throughout the winter.

The easiest and most effective method of propagation is division of clumps in the spring. When you prune an older plant in the spring, you can carefully dig out the entire clump with a spade and divide it into several smaller sections with roots. Plant these directly into a new sunny location. This will give you new seedlings while simultaneously rejuvenating the older plant.

This beautiful ornamental grass originates from the North American prairies, where it naturally forms vast steppe habitats. Due to its origin, it is accustomed to harsh conditions, temperature fluctuations, and occasional drought. Although it is visually very attractive and ornamental, the plant unfortunately has no scent (it is not aromatic).

We have great news for you! Fountain grass is an extremely hardy plant. It does not suffer from any common diseases and is completely avoided by insect pests. You can therefore grow it in your garden without any worries and without the need to use any sprays.