Purple Fountain Grass Winterizing in Minnesota

Did You Say 40 Below?!

• Cold hardiness makes all the difference when it comes to surviving Minnesota winters. All but a small section of the state sits in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 and 4. That translates to average winter temperature extremes of 20 to 40 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. Native to Africa, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, purple fountain grass is only cold hardy in USDA zones 9 through 10. In those areas, temperatures typically stay at least 20 to 40 degrees above zero all winter long.

Root Cellar Reprieve

• Throughout Minnesota, purple fountain usually appears in containers. In this climate, most gardeners consider it an annual and dutifully replace it each year. When winter comes, the only choice -- other than letting it succumb to the cold -- is to give it a place indoors. Do this well before winter hits or your work will be in vain. A sunny window in a cool room works well, as does an old-fashioned root cellar or an area where temperatures stay above freezing. Cut the plant back to 3 to 4 inches, and keep soil slightly moist through the winter months. Once all danger of frost has passed in late spring, move the plant back outside.

Divide and Conquer

• Overwintering in Minnesota means overcoming the hurdles cold temperatures bring. One way around the issue is to take divisions of your purple fountain grass in fall, or in spring if you've overwintered inside. In fall, lift the plant from the soil and use a garden spade to cut the plant into manageable size. You can then use your hands to pull the roots apart. Select divisions that still show lots of green, viable growth. Replant the small divisions into individual pots or a single, large container if you prefer. Follow the same winter regime you would use if overwintering your entire plant and wait for spring's return.

Why Bother?

• Meeting the challenge of Minnesota temperatures can be satisfying in itself. It also saves the cost of replacing your purple fountain grass each year. Whatever way you approach winter, the results make the effort worthwhile. Purple fountain grass brings color, texture and elegant, arching form to any setting you provide. Its feathery, 12-inch long plumes waving atop 4-foot stems and a fountain of red-purple foliage make memories of extra winter work fade away as the plant's beauty takes center stage. Though the species can be invasive in warm climates, "Rubrum" purple fountain grass rarely sets viable seed in cooler areas.