How to Grow Splendida Fountaingrass
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Splendida Fountaingrass
Setaria sphacelata cv. 'Splendida'
grassSplendida is an ornamental grass cultivar prized for its striking red and purple foliage that intensifies in color as temperatures cool. It produces feathery, reddish-bronze flower spikes in late summer and fall, creating a dramatic focal point in garden beds. This warm-season grass offers year-round visual interest with excellent texture and color variation.
When should you plant Splendida Fountaingrass in your zone?
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Example Splendida Fountaingrass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Splendida Fountaingrass
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Splendida Fountaingrass
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Splendida Fountaingrass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 7-11, best as a tender perennial in cooler zones
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny grass seedlings emerge with fine, thread-like leaves. Color is initially green with minimal red pigmentation.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light and warmth (70-80°F). Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 inches tall.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlant develops dense clumping habit with increasingly reddish foliage, especially leaf margins and tips. Leaf color deepens with cooler nights and maturity.
Reduce watering slightly as roots establish. Begin monthly feeding with balanced fertilizer if soil is poor. Full sun exposure accelerates red coloration.
Pre-flowering
3-4 weeksFoliage reaches mature size and color, displaying deep purple-red hues. Flower stems begin elongating from the leaf mass.
Maintain consistent watering during this phase. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering. Foliage color peaks during this stage.
Flowering & Seed Production
8-12 weeksFeathery, reddish-bronze flower spikes emerge well above foliage, creating dramatic vertical accents. Spikes mature from red to bronze-gold.
Discontinue fertilizing. Allow flowers to mature for seed production and ornamental appeal. Deadhead only if you want to prevent self-seeding.
Dormancy/Winter
3-5 monthsIn cooler zones (7-8), foliage browns and dries. In warmer zones (9-11), plant remains evergreen or semi-evergreen. Dried seed heads persist ornamentally.
Do not cut back until spring growth resumes (late March/April in zone 7-8). Leave standing for wildlife habitat and winter interest. In zones 7-8, apply winter mulch around base.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Typically not a serious issue; remove by hand if found. Monitor for damage. Use insecticidal soap if severe infestation occurs.
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More common in hot, dry conditions. Increase humidity and water foliage in early morning. Use miticide only if populations are very high.
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Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly. Remove affected foliage. Avoid overhead watering. Rarely requires fungicide treatment.
Uses
Landscape focal point and border accent
OrnamentalThe vibrant red-purple foliage and bronze flower spikes make Splendida an exceptional specimen grass for borders, containers, and mixed perennial beds. Its vertical form and dynamic color changes provide visual interest from summer through winter. [source]
Seed food and habitat for birds
WildlifeDense grass clumps provide shelter for small birds and beneficial insects. Mature seed heads attract finches and other seed-eating birds throughout fall and winter. [source]
Dried flower arrangements and crafts
CraftMature seed heads can be dried and used in dried arrangements, wreaths, and decorative crafts. The bronze-gold color lasts well when properly dried. [source]
Drought-tolerant landscape sustainability
HouseholdOnce established, Splendida requires minimal water and maintenance, making it ideal for xeriscaping and sustainable landscape design in warm zones. [source]
Harvest Tips
Setaria sphacelata is an ornamental grass not harvested for food. Allow seed heads to mature fully (late fall) for maximum ornamental appeal. If collecting seeds for propagation, harvest dried seed heads when they turn golden-bronze and drop seeds easily into a bag.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Setaria sphacelata is native to African grasslands, where it evolved to thrive in warm, dry conditions and intensify color response to seasonal temperature changes.
- 🌱 The cultivar name 'Splendida' specifically refers to the spectacular red-purple pigmentation that develops, which is enhanced by cool nights and bright sun exposure—colors can shift from green to deep wine-red over a season.
- 🌱 This grass produces abundant viable seeds and can self-sow readily in warm zones; deadhead if you prefer to prevent volunteer seedlings in subsequent years.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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