planting fountaingrass

by amy
(asheboro, n.c. usa)

Cherry Frost Fountain Grass

Cherry Frost Fountain Grass

I live in central North Carolina. Just recently had 15 large pine trees cut down in front of my house; the stumps are still there.

I would like to plant fountaingrass in that spot this spring because I love the way it looks but to fill in the area that the pine trees did I would have to purchase 15 or 20 plants and I am wondering if all the roots and underbrush from the pine trees(poor soil quality) would make it difficult for the fountaingrass to take hold and survive.

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I would hate to spend a fortune on 20 plants just to watch them die.thanks, amy

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It's a tough Question
by: Jacki

If I was to plant into something like your site where pine trees have grown for a long time, I would certainly amend the soil with some Dolomite lime to alter the pH of it, as pine trees are so acid.

The other thing I would do, if you have no plans to remove the stumps, is to plant two or three of the fountain grass, to trial them. In subsequent years, if they do okay, get some more, or, dig those up and split them into several plants. They are good for that, and quite often do better with some slicing and dicing of the root system.

It might be better to plant some wild flower seeds in the area, and wait until the rains have washed some of the acidity away. It may take several years to dilute it enough to plant sensitive plants in there.

Start by planting them a bit of distance away from the stumps so they are less exposed to the acidity. Hope that helps!

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