# How to Prune Pennisetum Setaceum Purple Fountain Grass
Pennisetum setaceum is also known as purple fountain grass, an ornamental grass that has tall, purple blades. In the late summer and fall, it also develops tall stalks with light purple, feathery plumes. While the plant is an annual in most climates, it is a perennial in southern states. In addition, you can pot the Pennisetum setaceum and overwinter it indoors. The Pennisetum setaceum requires annual pruning to remove dead foliage and clean up the landscape.
Things You'll Need
- Ruler or tape measure
- Pruning shears
- Gardening gloves
- Trash bag
Instructions
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Wait until after the last frost in spring. If you prune Pennisetum setaceum too early, a late frost may kill the roots.
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Measure up approximately 12 inches from the ground using a tape measure or a ruler and prune off three or four of the dead blades at the side of the clump using pruning shears.
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Use the first-cut stems as a guide to continue cutting a straight line all the way across the top of the Pennisetum setaceum with the pruning shears.
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4
Put on garden gloves and gather up all of the Pennisetum setaceum clippings, placing them into a trash bag or into a compost area. Debris left on the ground can invite pests and diseases.
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Next:
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- How To Germinate Fountain Grass
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- How to Plant Fountain Grass
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