Dividing purple fountain grass is a great way to propagate and rejuvenate this beautiful ornamental grass. I have personally divided purple fountain grass in my own garden, and I can share with you the step-by-step process to successfully divide this grass.
1. Timing: The best time to divide purple fountain grass is in early spring, just as new growth starts to emerge. This allows the divided plants to establish themselves before the hot summer months.
2. Preparation: Before dividing the grass, make sure to water it thoroughly a day or two in advance. This helps to loosen the soil and makes it easier to dig up the clumps.
3. Digging: Use a sharp spade or garden fork to carefully dig around the clump of purple fountain grass, making sure to dig deep enough to get under the root ball. Lift the clump out of the ground, trying to keep the root ball intact as much as possible.
4. Dividing: Once you have the clump out of the ground, you can divide it into smaller sections. Look for natural divisions in the clump, such as separate clumps or individual shoots. You can use a sharp knife or garden shears to separate the sections.
5. Replanting: Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and adding organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to improve soil fertility and drainage. Plant the divided sections of purple fountain grass at the same depth they were growing before, spacing them adequately apart to allow for their mature size.
6. Watering and Care: After planting, water the newly divided grass thoroughly to help settle the soil and remove any air pockets around the roots. Keep the soil evenly moist for the first few weeks until the plants establish themselves. Once established, purple fountain grass is relatively drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering.
7. Maintenance: Purple fountain grass benefits from regular trimming to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too leggy. In late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, cut back the grass to a few inches above the ground. This helps to rejuvenate the plant and encourages fresh growth.
Dividing purple fountain grass not only allows you to create new plants but also helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become overcrowded or less vigorous. By following these steps, you can successfully divide and propagate this stunning grass in your own garden. Happy gardening!
