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Overwintering pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' . . . By Tom Micheletti I have grown a purple fountain grass, (pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum') in a large 5 gal. pot on my deck for the past 3 seasons. It either will have to be repotted to a larger pot, or divided next season because it is crowding the pot. In the winter when it goes dormant, I cut the foliage back to 3". I water it well then place the pot in my unheated garage. When the temp. threatens to drop to the low 20's at night I move it to my basement. It is not heated directly, but stays around 60 degrees. I check it periodically to see if it is dry (lift the pot, if it's light it's dry) if it needs water I water VERY LIGHTLY. I don't want to encourage new growth. Keeping it on the dry seems to keep it dormant. It starts growing in April, when I move it to a sunny window, and begin regular watering. It usually gets too leggy by the time it is safe to place back outside, so I harden it off and cut it back to 3". I fertilize with Osmocote triple 14, and water when needed. |
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AAA Ornamentals,
8S953 Jericho Road, P.O. Box 277 ~ Big Rock ~ Illinois |