Fountain Grass – Overwintering

Q: I planted purple fountain grass this year. Will it come back next year?

A: Purple fountain grass is a perennial in south Florida but it doesn’t have a chance of surviving an Atlanta winter outdoors. That is actually a good thing because the grass is considered mildly invasive in places where it can re-seed itself and grow from year to year. I have heard of gardeners who have attempted to keep it alive indoors but their efforts have mostly ended in failure. The plant is so inexpensive it makes more sense to buy a new one each spring.