Question
I live in Pennsylvania about 30 miles south of Pittsburgh.  I planted purple fountain grass in the ground (pennisetum setaceum "rubrum") last spring and in the fall I cut it down.  This spring it never came back.  Because I really liked the plant I replanted one.  I need to know if this plant needs to be cut back and if so when?  I don't want to lose another one!!  Thanks for your help!

Answer
Becky,
The sad news is that Purple Fountain grass is an annual where you live - it does not live where the temperatures go much below 30 degees in the winter.    Plant it as an annual and enjoy it all summer!  Unfortunately, it does not overwinter well indoors either.

all the best,
C.L. Fornari
www.gardenlady.com