Panicum capillare 'Sparkling Fountain'
witch grass
Jewelled beads of dew will adorn this dainty, airy grass, which forms festoons of fibre optic-like panicles of pale green followed by decorative purple seed heads. Great for the front of a border where the hazy, flowering sprinkle will complement brightly coloured perennials, such as Michaelmas daisy, beyond.
Panicum ‘Sparkling Fountain’ dries brilliantly, too, making this 'Witch Grass' a great annual foliage plant for cut flower displays.
Panicum ‘Sparkling Fountain’ dries brilliantly, too, making this 'Witch Grass' a great annual foliage plant for cut flower displays.
How to care for Panicum capillare Sparkling Fountain:
Plant in full sun and free-draining soil, either in the ground or a container, once the risk of frost has passed. Water regularly while establishing, then only during prolonged dry spells, as it’s fairly drought tolerant once established.
This ornamental grass needs little feeding, just an occasional light mulch in spring, and should be cut back to ground level in early spring before new growth starts.
This ornamental grass needs little feeding, just an occasional light mulch in spring, and should be cut back to ground level in early spring before new growth starts.
Sowing instructions:
Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost in pots or trays and cover with a thin layer of sieved compost. Germination takes around a week, once large enough to handle, transplant seedlings (in small clumps) into pots of multi-purpose compost. Move the established seedling outside (once acclimatised) and the risk of frosts has passed.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.8m
Eventual spread:
0.3m
Position:
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This grass dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
