Choosing Companion Plants for a Vibrant Container Display with Purple Fountain Grass
Hey there!
Meet Larry Meyers, a master gardener with ten years under his belt! He's created this one-stop spot to share all your gardening needs and questions. Let's dive into an exciting discussion about sprucing up your container garden with Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum').
Larry advises choosing plants that match the grass's grandeur but don't outshine it. Need some inspiration?
Imagine contrasting the grass's rich burgundy foliage with bright green or vibrant yellow plants. Mix in flowers in sunny hues like yellows or blues to make the Purple Fountain Grass pop! Don't forget to factor in varying textures and shapes to add depth and interest.
Container gardening with Purple Fountain Grass lets us experiment with various plant combinations season by season. Ensuring similar growing conditions for all plants is crucial, like full sun and well-draining soil. By selecting the right neighbors, you'll create a flourishing container garden that's a testament to your green thumb and artistic skills, no matter where you place it!
Enough talk – let's get to the deets!
Selecting the best plants for your Purple Fountain Grass container garden
Variety matters
Consider whether you want an annual variety that blooms for one season or a perennial that keeps coming back. Annuals can be more vibrant for a brief while, while perennials are reliable once established.
Space, space, space
Remember that Purple Fountain Grass grows tall and wide at maturity, so it needs room to breathe. Allot enough space for each plant to prevent them from feeling cramped.
Got sun? Got soil?
They're just as fussy as us wanting their sun and soil just right. Purple Fountain Grass thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil. If it's too shady or the soil is not well-draining, you'll need to find a more suitable spot for it.
Let's dance – caring for your Purple Fountain Grass
Soil Preparation and Planting Techniques
A great dance partner is well-draining soil. Blend some sand with the potting mix to help with drainage. Plant at the same level your grass was in the nursery pot.
Watering and Fertilizing
Give it lots of water during the first months as it's trying to settle in. Once established, it should be drought-tolerant, but it still likes a deep soak now and then during hot weather. Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring.
Pruning and Maintenance
Trim off dead foliage in spring to stimulate fresh growth. This helps with air circulation, making the grass healthier.
Keeping pests at bay
Even though Purple Fountain Grass is pretty deer-resistant, it's not immune to all pests. Watch out for slugs and snails – those uninvited guests. Keep an eye out for rust, fungus, and any other signs of disease. Act swiftly if you spot pests or diseases – catch them early, and the problem won't grow too big.
Designing your landscape with Fountain Grass
That party needs color and interest
Purple Fountain Grass's striking foliage adds colors and texture to your container garden. Pair it with contrasting colors like silver or golden foliage for an eye-catching display.
Companion Planting for Aesthetic and Practical Benefits
Select drought-tolerant companions that enjoy the same growing conditions as your Purple Fountain Grass. Here are a few options:
Thriller - Purple Fountain Grass
Purple Fountain Grass serves as an excellent centerpiece, thanks to its vibrant plume-like flower spikes and height.
Fillers
- Petunias: Their colorful blooms fill space nicely and contrast well with the grass's purple tones.
- Begonias: Offer lush foliage and bright flowers.
- Calibrachoa: Produces small, vibrant flowers with a trailing habit.
- Geraniums or bushy Coleus: Provide interesting leaf colors and patterns.
- Impatiens: Good for shade but can add bright pops of color if your planter receives some dappled shade or morning sun.
Spillers
- Sweet Potato Vine (especially lime green or variegated): Provides contrasting, eye-catching foliage.
- Creeping Jenny: Offers a vibrant, chartreuse ground cover effect.
- Bacopa: Small white flowers and trailing habit add delicacy and visual interest.
- Ivy or Lobularia: Add softness and texture, creating balance.
Container Gardening with Fountain Grass
- Find a container at least 18 inches in diameter for your Purple Fountain Grass.
- Ensure there are drainage holes at the bottom of the container.
- Place the Thriller in the center or back of the planter, surround it with Fillers, and let the Spillers cascade over the container edges.
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to create your fabulous container garden featuring Purple Fountain Grass!
- To complement your Purple Fountain Grass container garden, select plants with varying colors, textures, and shapes; choose annuals or perennials based on your gardening preference, ensuring they match the grass's grandeur without outshining it.
- Expand the color palette of your home-and-garden lifestyle by pairing Purple Fountain Grass with striking fillers, such as begonias, calibrachoa, or petunias, for a contrasting, eye-catching display in your container garden.
