What to Plant With Purple Fountain Grass in a Container (A Guide to Beautiful Container Combinations)

What to Plant With Purple Fountain Grass in a Container

Purple fountain grass is a beautiful and versatile ornamental grass that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. It’s also relatively easy to care for, making it a great choice for container gardening. But what should you plant with purple fountain grass in a container?

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best companion plants for purple fountain grass, as well as some tips for planting and caring for them. We’ll also provide some stunning photos of purple fountain grass in containers, so you can get inspired for your own garden.

So whether you’re looking for a new addition to your container garden or you’re just curious about purple fountain grass, read on for all the information you need!

Plant	Description	Benefits
Lavender	Aromatic herb with purple flowers.	Attracts pollinators, deters pests.
Zinnias	Annual flowers with brightly colored petals.	Attracts pollinators, adds color to the garden.
Sedums	Succulents with fleshy leaves.	Tolerate drought, low maintenance.
Coneflowers	Perennial flowers with daisy-like petals.	Attracts pollinators, deters pests.
Marigolds	Annual flowers with bright yellow petals.	Attracts pollinators, deters pests.

Companion Plants for Purple Fountain Grass

Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) is a striking ornamental grass that adds a touch of drama to any garden. Its feathery plumes of purple-red foliage provide interest throughout the growing season, and it’s relatively easy to grow. If you’re looking for companion plants for purple fountain grass, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, consider the size and shape of your fountain grass. Purple fountain grass can grow to be quite large, so it’s important to choose companion plants that won’t be overshadowed. You also want to make sure that the plants have similar growth habits, so that they’re both happy in the same conditions.

Here are some good companion plants for purple fountain grass:

• Plants that complement the purple color of fountain grass:
• Lavender
• Blue salvia
• Purple coneflower
• Russian sage
• Yarrow
• Plants that provide contrast to the purple color of fountain grass:
• Yellow flowers
• White flowers
• Orange flowers
• Pink flowers
• Plants that have similar growth habits to fountain grass:
• Other ornamental grasses
• Sedums
• Yuccas
• Agaves
• Plants that are tolerant of the same growing conditions as fountain grass:
• Full sun
• Well-drained soil
• Drought tolerance

When choosing companion plants for purple fountain grass, it’s important to experiment and see what works best in your garden. With a little trial and error, you’re sure to find the perfect plants to complement your beautiful fountain grass.

Containers for Purple Fountain Grass

Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of containers. The size and shape of the container will depend on the mature size of the plant, as well as your personal preferences.

Here are a few things to consider when choosing a container for purple fountain grass:

• Size: Purple fountain grass can grow to be quite large, so it’s important to choose a container that is large enough to accommodate its mature size. A good rule of thumb is to choose a container that is at least twice the diameter of the root ball.
• Shape: The shape of the container is also important. A round container will give your fountain grass a more symmetrical look, while an oval or rectangular container will create a more informal look.
• Material: The material of the container is another consideration. Plastic containers are lightweight and inexpensive, but they can be susceptible to cracking in cold weather. Terracotta pots are more durable, but they can be heavy and difficult to move.
• Drainage holes: Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent the roots from sitting in water.

Once you’ve chosen a container, you can fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Gently remove the fountain grass from its original pot and place it in the new container. Add more potting mix around the roots, and water thoroughly.

Purple fountain grass is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it will benefit from regular watering and fertilizing. You should also prune the plant back in the spring to encourage new growth.

With proper care, your purple fountain grass will provide you with years of beautiful blooms.

Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) is a beautiful and versatile plant that can add a touch of drama to any garden. With its striking purple-red foliage and airy plumes, it’s sure to turn heads. When choosing companion plants for purple fountain grass, it’s important to consider the size and shape of the plant, as well as its growth habits and the growing conditions. With a little trial and error, you’re sure to find the perfect plants to complement your beautiful fountain grass.

3. Planting Purple Fountain Grass in a Container

Soil Mix for Fountain Grass

Fountain grass prefers a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A good soil mix for fountain grass would be equal parts of potting soil, compost, and sand. You can also add a handful of perlite or vermiculite to the soil mix to help improve drainage.

Planting Depth for Fountain Grass

When planting fountain grass, it is important to plant the crown of the plant at the same level as the soil surface. If you plant the crown too deep, the plant will not be able to get enough oxygen and will eventually die.

Watering Fountain Grass

Fountain grass needs regular watering, especially during the summer months. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, making sure to soak the soil thoroughly. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Fertilizing Fountain Grass

Fountain grass does not require a lot of fertilizer, but it can benefit from a light application of fertilizer once or twice a year. A balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, is a good choice for fountain grass.

4. Maintenance of Purple Fountain Grass in a Container

Pruning Fountain Grass

Fountain grass does not require a lot of pruning, but it is important to remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems. You can also prune the plant back to keep it at a manageable size.

Dividing Fountain Grass

Fountain grass can be divided to create new plants. To divide the plant, dig up the entire plant and carefully separate the roots into two or more clumps. Replant the clumps in new containers filled with fresh soil.

Overwintering Fountain Grass

Fountain grass is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. In colder climates, the plant may need to be protected from the cold. You can protect the plant by covering it with a layer of mulch or by bringing it indoors.

Purple fountain grass is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. With proper care, fountain grass can thrive in a container for many years.

What To Plant With Purple Fountain Grass In A Container?

Q: What are some good companion plants for purple fountain grass?
A: Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) is a versatile ornamental grass that can be grown in a variety of settings, from containers to borders. When choosing companion plants for purple fountain grass, it is important to consider the plant’s mature size, light requirements, and water needs. Some good companion plants for purple fountain grass include:

• Other ornamental grasses, such as blue oat grass (Helictotrichon sempervirens), maiden grass (Miscanthus sinensis), and zebra grass (Miscanthus zebrinus)
• Perennial flowers, such as daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.), coneflowers (Echinacea spp.), and rudbeckias (Rudbeckia spp.)
• Shrubs, such as hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.), roses (Rosa spp.), and viburnums (Viburnum spp.)

Q: How much space do I need for purple fountain grass?
A: Purple fountain grass can reach a mature height of 3 to 5 feet and a width of 2 to 3 feet. When planting purple fountain grass in a container, it is important to choose a container that is at least 2 feet wide and deep.

Q: What kind of light does purple fountain grass need?
A: Purple fountain grass prefers full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade. In full sun, the grass will have a brighter purple color. In partial shade, the grass will be a lighter purple color.

Q: How much water does purple fountain grass need?
A: Purple fountain grass is drought tolerant, but it will perform best with regular watering. Water the grass deeply once or twice a week during dry weather.

Q: How do I care for purple fountain grass?
A: Purple fountain grass is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. To care for purple fountain grass, simply:

• Water the grass regularly, especially during dry weather.
• Fertilize the grass once or twice a year in spring or fall.
• Deadhead the grass regularly to remove spent flowers.
• Divide the grass every 3 to 5 years to keep it healthy and vigorous.

Q: What are the common pests and diseases of purple fountain grass?
A: Purple fountain grass is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:

• Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can damage the leaves of purple fountain grass. To control aphids, spray the plants with a water hose or insecticidal soap.
• Leaf spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause brown or black spots on the leaves of purple fountain grass. To control leaf spot, remove infected leaves and treat the plants with a fungicide.
• Rust: Rust is a fungal disease that causes orange or brown pustules on the leaves of purple fountain grass. To control rust, remove infected leaves and treat the plants with a fungicide.

Q: How can I propagate purple fountain grass?
A: Purple fountain grass can be propagated by division or seed. To propagate by division, dig up a mature clump of grass in early spring or fall and divide it into smaller clumps. Replant the clumps in new containers or in the ground. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a seedbed in early spring. Keep the seedbed moist until the seedlings emerge. Transplant the seedlings into containers or the ground once they are large enough to handle.

purple fountain grass is a beautiful and versatile plant that can add a touch of elegance to any garden. When grown in containers, it is important to choose the right companion plants that will complement its unique shape and color. Some good options include ornamental grasses, succulents, and annuals. By following these tips, you can create a stunning container garden that will be the envy of your neighbors.