Fountain grass Moudry

We have great news for you! This ornamental grass is exceptionally vital and hardy. It is not at all susceptible to common fungal or bacterial diseases and practically never suffers from pest attacks. It is a completely low-maintenance plant, ideal even for absolute beginners, that does not require the use of any chemical sprays.

For successful cultivation, choose a warm location in full sun. It can handle light partial shade, but it will demonstrably produce richer and better-colored inflorescences in the sun. When planting the seedling, keep in mind the recommended spacing of 80 centimeters so that the clump has enough room to grow in width in the future and can form a perfect hemispherical shape.

Fountain grass thrives best in loamy and well-drained soil that should be relatively rich in nutrients (humus-rich). Drainage is absolutely essential so that the plant does not suffer from waterlogging, especially during the winter months, which would inevitably lead to root rot.

This cultivar blooms in late summer, specifically in August and September. It produces striking, fluffy, bottle-brush-like inflorescences that have a completely unique color in the 'Moudry' variety. The flowers are very dark, ranging from deep purple and brown to almost black. During autumn, they gain even more color, creating a stunning contrast with the light-colored leaves.

The 'Moudry' cultivar of fountain grass (Pennisetum) forms beautiful, compact, semi-spherical clumps that reach a height of 60 to 80 centimeters. Initially, it has narrow, deep green leaves that turn beautiful shades of yellow with the arrival of autumn. It is a very elegant ornamental grass that will add interesting texture and movement to your garden.

Pennisetum is not poisonous or toxic in any way. It is a completely safe ornamental grass, so you do not need to worry if dogs, cats, or small children move freely in your garden. You can plant it in accessible areas without any concerns.

You do not need to worry at all; it is quite typical for Pennisetum to sprout relatively late in the spring. Often, the first green shoots do not appear until late April or May, when the soil has warmed up sufficiently. Before the plant sprouts and grows, it does not look very conspicuous in the flowerbed, so we recommend being patient.

If the Pennisetum starts losing vigor after a few years in one place, develops a bare center, or flowers less, it is the ideal time for rejuvenation. Carefully dig up the clump, divide it into several smaller parts (for example, with a sharp spade), and transplant these healthy outer segments to a new location. Always perform this propagation and division in the spring.

Definitely yes! The striking purple to brown inflorescences of the 'Moudry' fountain grass are very attractive and suitable for cutting for fresh bouquets in vases, as well as for drying for autumn and winter decorations. If you want to dry them, cut them when fully developed at the end of summer and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated, and shaded place.

The native home of the fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) is East Asia. In its natural habitat, you will most often find it growing as a wild grass in open meadows or in bright, sunny forests and their edges. This is the source of its great fondness for warmth and well-draining soil.