Oriental fountain grass 'Karley Rose' Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose' (PBR)

Water

Oriental Fountain Grass requires consistent moisture, especially during hot and dry periods. Water the plant thoroughly once a week, ensuring the soil is moist to a depth of several inches. During periods of extreme heat or when planted in containers, increase watering to twice per week. If rainfall is sufficient, you may reduce the frequency. An average watering session for an established Oriental Fountain Grass should be about 1 to 1.5 gallons, ensuring that the water reaches the roots rather than just wetting the surface.

Light

Oriental Fountain Grass thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should receive at least six hours of sunlight each day to maintain its vigorous growth and vibrant flowering. The ideal spot for this grass would be an area with direct sunlight in the morning and light, dappled shade in the afternoon to protect it from the intense heat.

Temperature

Oriental Fountain Grass prefers warm temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but growth will be most robust when temperatures are between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure the plant survives winter, it should not be exposed to prolonged periods below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Pruning Oriental Fountain Grass promotes healthy growth and keeps the plant looking tidy. It's best to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the foliage to about 3 to 4 inches above the ground. This yearly pruning will help stimulate fresh foliage and improve the plant's shape and vigor.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Oriental Fountain Grass 'Karley Rose' prefers a well-draining soil mix with a pH ranging from 5.8 to 7.2. An ideal mix can be made of equal parts garden soil, compost, and coarse sand to ensure good drainage and fertility.

Repotting

Oriental Fountain Grass 'Karley Rose' is not commonly repotted as it is a perennial grass typically grown outdoors; divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.

Humidity & Misting

Oriental Fountain Grass 'Karley Rose' tolerates a wide range of humidity levels and does not require any specific atmospheric humidity conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place 'Karley Rose' in bright light and ensure good airflow.

• Outdoor

  Plant in full sun, space clumps 2-3 feet apart.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose', commonly known as Oriental Fountain Grass, begins its life cycle with seed germination in the late spring or early summer, provided the soil is warm enough. These perennial grasses quickly establish a clump of dense, arching foliage. Throughout the summer months, 'Karley Rose' actively grows, producing attractive fluffy, rose-colored flower plumes that rise above the foliage and can be used for cut flower arrangements. As the season transitions into fall, the plant's growth slows, and the foliage may take on autumnal tones before the grass enters dormancy in winter. During this period, the above-ground parts of the grass may die back, especially in colder climates, while the root system remains alive underground. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, 'Karley Rose' will resume growth from its rootstock, completing the annual cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose', commonly known as Oriental fountain grass, is by division. This should typically be done in the spring, once the risk of frost has passed and the plant is beginning to grow. To propagate by division, dig up the entire clump of the grass, using a sharp shovel or spade. Then, pull apart or cut through the root ball to separate it into smaller sections, making sure that each new section has a healthy amount of roots attached. Replant these divisions at the same depth they were originally growing, watering thoroughly after planting to help establish them. It's important to give the new plants enough space to grow, as overcrowding can inhibit their growth and health.