Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’) is a stunning warm season, ornamental grass that adds a touch of elegance to any landscape or garden. However, it is important to note that purple fountain grass is not a cold-hardy plant and cannot survive in temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius). So, what temperature kills purple fountain grass?
In regions with planting zones 8 through 10, where temperatures generally stay above freezing, purple fountain grass can be treated as a perennial. This means that it can survive and regrow year after year, adding beauty to your outdoor space. However, in cooler regions with lower temperatures, purple fountain grass is typically treated as an annual. This means that it is planted each year and will not survive the winter.
It is crucial to protect purple fountain grass from freezing temperatures to ensure its survival. When the temperature drops close to or below freezing, the grass can experience damage or even death. Frost and prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause the plant to wither, turn brown, and eventually die.
To protect purple fountain grass in cooler regions, it is recommended to bring the plants indoors or provide them with some form of winter protection. This can involve digging up the grass and placing it in containers to be kept indoors during the winter months. Alternatively, you can cover the plants with a thick layer of mulch to insulate them from the cold. However, it is important to note that even with these precautions, purple fountain grass may still struggle to survive in extremely cold climates.
Personal experience has taught me that purple fountain grass can be quite sensitive to cold temperatures. I live in a region with planting zone 7, where winter temperatures can drop below freezing. In my garden, I have treated purple fountain grass as an annual, replanting it each spring. Despite my best efforts to protect the grass, it has not survived the winter.
Purple fountain grass cannot withstand temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius) and is best suited for regions with planting zones 8 through 10. In cooler regions, it should be treated as an annual or provided with winter protection to ensure its survival. Remember, frost and prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can be detrimental to the health of purple fountain grass.