There are several effective methods to prune purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum "Cupreum"). The approach you choose depends on both your climate and the condition and health of the plant itself.
You can make a clean, flat cut across the base of the plant; thin out old, dead or dried fronds with secateurs or shears; and cut out triangular shaped sections, which encourage fresh growth but does leave some bulk to the plant, keeping it more attractive than just a sheared base.
Instructions
Prep Your Cutting Tools
1. Wipe down the cutting blades of your shears or secateurs with rubbing alcohol, using clean cotton wadding or gauze. Use an abrasive scrub pad to remove any debris from previous use and then reapply alcohol to sterilize the blades and prevent the possible transfer of disease.
2. Shear off all the leaves with a mechanical trimmer or shears approximately one to two inches from the soil line. This is the best pruning approach in cooler climates where the fountain grass will not winter over.
3. Cut into the fountain grass clump with shears or secateurs in a triangular cut at the crown of the grass and remove several pie-shaped pieces evenly around the plant.
4. Cut away old, dried, or damaged leaves and fronds with secateurs, moving evenly around the grass plant to achieve a thinned but balanced appearance.
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