Fountain grasses are stunning ornamental plants that can add an elegant touch to any landscape. Their cascading leaves and volume make them ideal border or specimen plants. While you may not know this, there are several fountain grass varieties. One of them is the Hameln Fountain grass, a compact perennial with bright green leaves that turn golden yellow in the fall.
Keep reading to learn more about this low-maintenance ornamental grass!
| Botanical Name | Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ |
| Common Name | Hameln Fountain Grass |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Flower Color | Small flowers that can be brown, pink, or purple. The blooms appear on striking fluffy and soft plumes that resemble a foxtail. |
| Size When Mature | Between 18 to 30 inches tall and wide |
| Bloom time from | From Late Summer through fall |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | Between 5 and 9 |
| Soil PH Range | Moderately acidic to neutral: between 5.5 to 7.0 on the pH scale |
| Soil Type | Well-draining and fertile |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Native Area | Asia and Australia |
What you Need to Know About Hameln Fountain Grass
Hameln fountain grass is a small fountain grass that provides texture, structure, and beauty to any location you would choose for it. Its foliage usually stays attractive even during the winter.
Blooms appear between late summer and early fall and make for excellent cut flowers in dry and fresh arrangements.
You can plant this warm season grass as a ground cover or along borders. It performs well in containers, as long as the soil is well-draining.
Hameln Fountain Grass, like other varieties, isn’t toxic to humans or animals, making it a safe choice if you have pets or kids running around your garden.
How to Care for Hameln Fountain Grass
The best thing about growing Hameln Fountain grass is that it doesn’t require much help to thrive. If you give it all it needs, you won’t have to worry too much about it.
These plants are versatile and adaptable, but you must fulfill their requirements to have them thrive in your garden. Jump to the following sections to learn how to recreate the optimal growing conditions for these plants in your garden.
Light
Hameln Fountain grass performs best in full sun but tolerates partial shade. However, to enjoy plenty of blooms, we recommend you plant them in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight during the day.
Water and Soil Needs
Hameln fountain grass isn’t fussy about soil conditions. However, you’ll get better results in well-draining substrates. If necessary, consider amending the ground to bring it to a pH level between 5.5 and 7.5.
Once established, this plant is tolerant to drought conditions. However, you will have to follow a regular watering schedule during the first months after planting it in your garden.
Avoid overwatering it: it is susceptible to root rot and fungal infections. Instead, wait for the soil to dry before adding extra moisture.
If you live in an area where winters get cold, don’t forget to add a layer of mulch around your Hameln Fountain Grass. Besides helping with drainage and water retention, mulching can protect your plant from thermal shocks.
Temperature Requirements
These plants are warm-season grasses that perform best at temperatures between 60 and 75°F. However, they will also tolerate slightly colder and warmer conditions. The ideal USDA hardiness zones are between 5 and 9.
Fertilizer
You can fertilize your Hameln fountain grass with a slow-release balanced product in the spring to enhance its growth. Alternatively, adding compost or manure might be enough to improve the nutrient content and keep your plant healthy.
Common Diseases
Hameln fountain grass is an excellent option for beginner gardeners. This plant tolerates most pests and diseases. Plus, it is deer-resistant, which might come in handy if you live near a forest. However, beware of overwatering: these plants do not tolerate soggy soils, which might cause them severe issues.
Hameln Fountain Grass Propagation
Propagating Hameln Fountain grass isn’t anything out of this world. You can do so by division or seeds. For the latter method, collect seeds early in the season. Strip the fluffy flower heads off the stem and take a bunch.
Remember that the more you have, the higher your chances of getting new plants out of them. Sow your seeds in a container with a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist. You should notice germination in about 7 to 10 days!
To propagate your plant by division, dig up your fountain grass rootball and take divisions from the outer hedge to create new plants. Don’t forget to handle the roots with care!
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