Expert: Mike Mascio - 6/28/2011

Question
I hope your experience covers this. Lowe's didn't have but one large purple fountain grass (pennisetum) when I really wanted two smaller ones for pots on either side of my porch. I got the large one. Can I safely divide it without doing damage to it? I will be gentle. I know they're tough plants. Wish they didn't die out in winter, though! I couldn't shop anywhere else because I was using a gift card. Any suggestions at all? I appreciate it. These are some of my favorite grasses- the purple fronds are just breathtaking, don't you think?
Thanks in advance.

Answer
You can absolutely divide it. Just take a sharp spade and splice right through the middle of the plant. That's all there is to it. They are very hardy and should suffer no ill effects. Just be sure to plant them immediately after and water them generously for a few days until they become established.

Good luck, and have a great week.

Mike