How To Trim Back Purple Fountain Grass

Overview

Purple fountain grass is a warm season ornamental grass with long purple foliage and busy flowers that can grow up to 4 feet tall. It is only hardy to zones 9 through 10 and can be grown as a perennial in those warm climates. In colder climates, purple fountain grass can grow as an annual. Trimming purple fountain grass once it dies back is the only maintenance this easy to care for grass needs.

Step 1

Trim purple fountain grass in the late winter or early spring, if you are growing it as a perennial. Trim purple fountain grass in the fall if you are growing it as an annual.

Step 2

Gather the dead foliage into clumps, 5 to 6 inches in diameter, and tie them together. This will make clean up much easier.

Step 3

Cut off each clump of purple fountain grass 6 inches from the ground. Clean up the pruned clumps and allow the rest of the purple fountain grass to stay as is. If it is a perennial, new growth will cover up the dead foliage.