Plant Picks: White Fountain Grass

White fountain grass is a beautiful, reliable, easy-to-grow perennial that's perfect for adding some texture and interest to your North Central Florida landscape.

Delicate white flowers and slender, curved green foliage give this grass its characteristic fountain-like appearance. Why not try it in your yard this year?

Conditions for White Fountain Grass

White fountain grass, or pennisetum orientale, loves warm weather, so it's well-suited to the climate here in Florida. It is hardy and requires very little maintenance.

This slender, quick-growing plant, with a lovely flowing appearance, thrives in zones 6-9 in all kinds of conditions. It grows 4-6 feet tall and spreads up to four feet, with blooms continuing through summer and fall.

White fountain grass is extremely adaptable, tolerates all kinds of soils, and can even cope with partial shade. Make sure your soil is well-drained, and never overwater, as this can cause root rot and disease.

Care of White Fountain Grass

White fountain grass can be planted year-round, and is fairly resistant to pests and disease. While it may encounter occasional rust fungus, or become a snack for slugs and snails, it's a hardy plant with few problems.

However, this does mean it can be mildly invasive if planted near untouched natural spaces. This is due to a high production from the seed heads, so cutting off the inflorescences before they produce seeds should help stifle this

When the foliage itself turns white, instead of just the flowers, this means the plant is nearing the end of its season as cold temperatures arrive.

Keep this grass moist when establishing it, but once established, it's fairly drought resistant. If you see wilting or discoloration, check your soil's moisture and soak the plants if necessary, but make sure not to overwater.

When it comes to fertilization, fountain grasses don't need much. Mild, organic plant food can be used annually in the spring.

Landscaping with White Fountain Grass

One of this plant's best features is its adaptability. Whether it's lining a screened-in pool, used as an accent, planted in a container, or bordering a house, white fountain grass is a beautiful and versatile option.

It can provide privacy, add grace and movement to your yard, or create contrast and texture. As a container plant, it can bring life to your porch, windows, or patio. As a landscaping accent, white fountain grass can be used to enhance curb appeal with its showy flowers and fine-textured foliage. When mass planted, it can bring a soft, natural, and wild aesthetic to your yard.

No matter how you want to use white fountain grass, it's a beautiful plant, and it thrives in Florida's weather! Contact the experts at LawnMore for more information on how this grass would work best in your yard.

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