Pruning guide
How to prune purple fountain grass
More purple fountain grass care
Pruning purple fountain grass — FAQ
When should I prune purple fountain grass?
Late winter (zones 9–11 only); discard after first frost in colder zones. In frost-free gardens, cut the whole clump back to 4–6 inches in February with sharp shears. During the growing season, remove spent or damaged plumes at the base to keep the plant tidy — not required for plant health.
How often does purple fountain grass need pruning?
Annually (where perennial); no cutback needed where grown as an annual. Purple Fountain Grass is a tender perennial (annual in zones 5–8) that needs very little pruning during the season. Deadheading spent plumes is optional. In frost-free climates (zones 9–11) where it overwinters, cut the clump back by half to two-thirds in late winter. In cold climates, it's typically pulled and composted after frost kills it.
How do you prune purple fountain grass?
In frost-free gardens, cut the whole clump back to 4–6 inches in February with sharp shears. During the growing season, remove spent or damaged plumes at the base to keep the plant tidy — not required for plant health.