Prairie Winds® 'Lemon Squeeze' Fountain Grass (Pennisetum)
Perennial
- Golden foliage shines in the garden!
- Fluffy copper flower spikes add interest from summer through winter.
- Sun-loving, deer resistant, and durable.
- Zones 5-9, sun, 3.5' tall x 4.5' wide at maturity.
ZONE
EXPOSURE
HEIGHT
Description
In late summer, copper flower spikes appear above the foliage. Leave the foliage and flowers standing for winter interest and coverage for wildlife, or cut some to use in dried flower arrangements. It's easy to grow, deer resistant, and durable, making it a great option for every gardener.
Details
Common name: Fountain grass
Patent #: PP34634
Zone: 5,6,7,8,9
Sun exposure: Sun (6+ hrs/day)
Height x width: 4 - 4.5′ tall X 3 - 3.5′ wide
Flower color: purple, turning tan in fall and winter
Foliage color: Green and gold
Season of interest: Year-round
Bloom time: Midsummer, late summer, early fall
Features: Winter interest, Proven Winners, privacy & screening, drought tolerant, deer resistant, container plants, best for beginners
Uses: Background, border, cottage gardening, foundation planting, massing, specimen, cut flower garden
How to Grow
Light: Performs best in full sun. Can tolerate part sun, but may not produce as many flowers.
Water: Average. Once established, it will tolerate a bit of drought, but flowers better, and develops better color, if provided with a deep watering during periods of extended drought.
Spacing: 3 - 3.5′
Fertilizing: Does not require fertilizer, but if desired you can apply a small amount of all purpose garden fertilizer in spring. Be sure to water it in thoroughly.
Winterizing: We recommend leaving foliage in place over winter, as ornamental grasses contribute substantial interest in otherwise dormant landscapes. This practice also helps minimize the potential for rot in cold, wet soils – particularly in areas with clay soil.
Maintenance & pruning: Prune down to 3-4″ above soil level in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges.
Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as "maximum spacing": if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:
Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:
Not sure just how many plants will fit in your garden? Our calculator gives you the exact amount of plants required for your space. Simply update the values and the calculator will re-calculate accordingly. Spacing information can be found in the 'How to Grow' tab on each plant's page.
