Use and Care Manual

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS (Continued)
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
SHIPPED AS SHOWN
FEEDING
Feed your plants once every 2-3 weeks during the
growing season with a water soluble fertilizer.
Discontinue feeding after September 1st to allow
your plants to harden off for winter dormancy.
Resume fertilizing when new growth appears in the
spring.
MULCHINGWINTERIZING
In mild zones (9-10), fountain grass can be left in the
ground during winter. If freezing weather threatens,
protect the roots by mounding a layer of shredded
bark, compost, leaves, straw or other organic material
around the base of each plant. Potted plants should
be moved into a protected area on exceptionally cool
nights.
In colder zones (3-8), fountain grass should be treat-
ed as an annual or moved indoors for the winter.
Place the plants in a cool room with a bright window
and water sparingly over the winter. Do not over-wa-
ter or allow your plants to sit in water.
In spring after the threat of freezing weather has
passed, remove mulch from in-ground plantings
and bring containerized plants back outdoors for
the summer.
CONTINUING CARE (Continued)
In zones 3-8, we strongly recommend planting in containers
in order to properly protect the plants from winter damage.
See Winterizing Instructions.
Important: Thoroughly hydrate the plants by submersing
the root zone in a container of water for 10 minutes while
you prepare for planting.
CONTINUING CARE
Apply a 2-4 inch layer of shredded bark, compost,
leaves, straw or other organic matter around your
plants to promote moisture retention, maintain even
soil temperatures and discourage weed growth.
Replenish the mulch as needed.
Adequate and consistent watering is essential during
your plant's first year in the garden. Infrequent, long
soakings of water that thoroughly saturate the soil
are more effective than frequent, light applications of
water.
Due to variable geographical and environmental
conditions, a specific watering schedule is difficult to
define. However, as a rule of thumb, you should not
allow the soil or the original root ball to completely
dry out. During the first summer, you may need to
water as often as every few days in periods of
drought and extreme summer heat. To determine if
your plant needs water, dig a few inches into the soil
next to the plant. If the soil is dry 2-3 inches below the
surface, it is time to water.
Overwatering can be as damaging as under watering.
Be sure that the area surrounding your plant has
adequate drainage to move water away from the
plant. If you choose to plant in a container, always
select one with drainage holes to prevent your
plant's roots from sitting in water.
WATERING
A
B
C
Keep the area around your plants free of weeds.
Weeds compete with surrounding plants for food,
water and light. Walk around the garden periodically
and pull weeds, including the roots, as soon as you
see them.
WEEDING
Fill the container with soil to within 4 inches of the
top. Remove the pot and prepare the root ball for
planting by gently disturbing the surface roots with
your fingers, fork, or gardening tool and pruning
any damaged roots. Dig a hole in the soil to insert
the lower part of the root ball.
Once the plant is properly positioned in the pot,
begin filling the pot with soil. Work the soil around
the root ball with your hands, firming the soil
around the plant with your fingers. When the hole is
filled, tamp the soil to remove any air pockets.
Water well and, if necessary, adjust the plant so it is
upright and add additional soil if needed, Check to
be sure the plant is not planted too deeply. If it is,
raise the plant carefully and re-firm the soil.
Remove dead, damaged or unsightly growth as
needed to maintain an attractive appearance. Cut
containerized plants back to about 6 inches in
height before bringing them indoors for the winter.
In-ground plantings should be cut back to the
ground in late winter or before new growth begins
in early spring.
PRUNING
Your plants have been shipped to you in pots. We urge
you to remove them from the shipping box and plant
them as soon as possible. Should planting be delayed due
to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, roll the
plastic bag down around each plant and place them near
a bright window or other sunny location. Keep them
well-watered in their pots until permanently planted.
Once planted, they begin setting roots and, as the weath-
er warms, begin showing new growth. Please plant as
soon as possible, provide reasonable care and be patient.
PENNISETUM FOUNTAIN GRASS
The foliage on potted plants may appear slightly wilted or
yellow upon arrival. This is due to the stress of shipping
and is usually nothing to worry about. Water the plant
thoroughly, place it in a shady location and remove any
foliage that does not recover.
OUT OF THE BOX