Product Description
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Lemon Squeeze' PPAF (30)ct Flat
Proven Winners® PRAIRIE WINDS® Collection
Common Name: Fountain Grass
A brilliantly colored ornamental grass that's perfect for contrast in your sun garden. 'Lemon Squeeze' behaves like other Fountain Grass but boasts chartreuse gold leaves. One of the best for vigor that we've seen in gold-leafed Pennisetum with absolutely no burning in the sun. Full sun required for brightest gold color. Copper panicles appear above the foliage in midsummer and provide additional interest to this three seasons grass.
Ornamental Grasses of the PRAIRIE WINDS® Collection add graceful texture and movement to the garden. These varieties thrive in full sun growing conditions and are proven deer resistant.
Height: 3.0-3.5 Feet
Spread: 4.0-4.5 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Tan shades
Foliage Color: Yellow shades
Full Sun
Low to Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Mid Summer to Early Fall
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Easy To Grow, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting
Pennisetum a. 'Lemon Squeeze', commonly known as Prairie Winds® 'Lemon Squeeze' Fountain Grass, is a popular ornamental grass prized for its vibrant golden foliage and graceful, arching form. This comprehensive guide will explore the characteristics, care requirements, and potential uses of this striking perennial, providing valuable insights for both novice and experienced gardeners.
The full botanical name of this variety is Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Lemon Squeeze'. It is also patented under the number PP34634.
Originally from Asia5 Prairie Winds® 'Lemon Squeeze' Fountain Grass is a warm-season grass that exhibits a clumping growth habit. This warm-season grass thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. It typically reaches a height of 3 to 3.5 feet, with a spread of 4 to 4.5 feet at maturity. Its most notable feature is its bright, chartreuse-gold foliage, which provides a refreshing contrast in sunny gardens. 'Lemon Squeeze' stands out from other gold-foliage grasses with its ability to thrive in full sun without its leaves getting scorched. This makes it a valuable addition to sunny gardens where other golden grasses might struggle. In midsummer, it produces fluffy, copper-colored flower spikes that add further interest and texture. These flower spikes turn tan in the fall and persist through the winter, providing visual appeal even in the dormant season. Gardeners will appreciate that 'Lemon Squeeze' is both deer and rabbit resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for landscapes where these animals are common.
Care Requirements Prairie Winds® 'Lemon Squeeze' Fountain Grass is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in a variety of conditions. Here is a detailed overview of its care requirements:
- Sunlight: This variety requires full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) to achieve its best color and growth. While it can tolerate some shade, it may not produce as many flowers and its foliage may not be as vibrant.
- Water: Prairie Winds® 'Lemon Squeeze' Fountain Grass has average water needs. Once established, it is quite drought tolerant, but it will flower better and develop a more intense color if provided with deep watering during extended periods of drought. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Soil: This grass is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, as long as the soil is well-drained. It prefers rich, loamy soil but can also grow in rocky or sandy soil.
- Fertilizing: Prairie Winds® 'Lemon Squeeze' Fountain Grass is not a heavy feeder and does not require regular fertilization. However, you can apply a small amount of all-purpose garden fertilizer in the spring if desired.
Pruning It is best to leave the foliage standing through the winter for added interest and to provide cover for wildlife. Leaving the foliage standing through the winter not only provides visual interest in the dormant landscape but also creates valuable habitat for overwintering wildlife. Additionally, it can help to prevent rot, especially in areas with heavy clay soil. In late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges, cut back the foliage to about 3-4 inches above the soil level.
Pests and Diseases While generally pest-free, Pennisetum varieties like 'Lemon Squeeze' can occasionally be affected by mites, aphids, and thrips. Regular monitoring and appropriate pest control measures can help maintain the plant's health. Overwatering can lead to root and crown rot, so ensuring proper drainage is crucial.
Uses Prairie Winds® 'Lemon Squeeze' Fountain Grass is a versatile plant that can be used in various landscape applications. Some popular uses include:
- Accent plant: Its vibrant foliage and unique form make it an excellent choice for adding a focal point to the garden.
- Mass planting: When planted in masses, it creates a stunning display of color and texture.
- Border: It can be used to define garden beds or walkways.
- Erosion control: Its dense root system helps to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Container planting: It grows well in containers, adding a touch of elegance to patios and balconies
- Cut flower garden: The attractive flower spikes can be used in fresh or dried flower arrangements.
To further illustrate the versatility of 'Lemon Squeeze' Fountain Grass, consider these design ideas:
- Create a vibrant border: Plant 'Lemon Squeeze' along a walkway or driveway, interspersing it with purple coneflowers or Russian sage for a striking contrast of color and texture.
- Add a focal point: Use a single 'Lemon Squeeze' plant as a centerpiece in a small garden bed, surrounded by lower-growing perennials like sedums or coreopsis.
- Enhance a container garden: Combine 'Lemon Squeeze' with trailing plants like sweet potato vine or petunias in a large container for a dynamic and eye-catching display.
Pennisetum a. 'Lemon Squeeze' is a stunning ornamental grass that offers a unique combination of beauty and practicality. Its vibrant golden foliage, graceful form, and low-maintenance nature make it an excellent choice for a wide range of gardens and landscapes. By following the care guidelines outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your 'Lemon Squeeze' Fountain Grass thrives and adds a touch of golden elegance to your outdoor space.
Why not try incorporating this beautiful and versatile grass into your own garden? Imagine the gentle sway of its golden foliage and the way it catches the light, adding a touch of magic to your outdoor oasis. Consider pairing 'Lemon Squeeze' with complementary plants like salvia, catmint, or yarrow to create a truly captivating display. With its resilience, adaptability, and striking appearance, 'Lemon Squeeze' Fountain Grass is sure to become a favorite in your garden for years to come.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
