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Ornamental Grass

failure to thrive

17 years ago

The past few years, I've planted several clumps of pink muhly grass, which look okay the first year but come back less full in following years. They never grow anywhere near as large or full as they should.

Same story with my purple fountain grasses. Okay the first year then kind of puny looking after that.

Anyone want to guess what I might be doing wrong? I don't feed them, other than spreading a little compost early in the spring. My soil drains fine and is somewhat alkaline. (I have no trouble growing lavender.)

Tia -- Carol

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Comments (3)

donn_
17 years ago
Purple Fountain Grass is not reliably hardy in zone 8. You may need to protect them during winter.

Muhly should do fine for you. They don't need any compost at any time, and could benefit from additional water now and then, depending upon their placement and your rainfall.
treelover
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks, Donn. Actually, the fountain grass is in protected areas. Just wondering why I have such trouble with grasses. Maybe I'm not watering them enough. We did have a dry winter.
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donn_
17 years ago
By protecting it through winter, I meant bringing it inside in pots. It's technically rated for zone 9 and above, and I've heard of problems with it in zone 9. Most folks treat it as an annual, since it grows pretty fast and adds great accent to the garden.

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