Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass)

Native to Asia and Australia, Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass) is among the most beautiful and graceful ornamental grasses with cascading foliage that rustles in the wind. It requires very little care and almost nonstop drama in the garden.

• This cold-hardy grass typically grows in 2-3 foot tall (60-90 cm) rounded mounds of dark green foliage turning golden yellow or beige in fall. However, there are dwarf varieties available that reach only 12 in. (30 cm) and tall ones that can reach 5 ft. in height (150 cm).
• The flowering season begins as early as early summer or as late as early fall when the foliage is topped with soft and fluffy, reddish purple to coppery tan bottlebrush-like flowers, resembling large foxtails, on arching stems. They make excellent cut flowers for fresh and dried arrangements.
• Welcomed in any garden style, it is versatile and can be used as a specimen plant, in groups, or en masse. It is ideal in beds and borders where it provides texture, color, and contrast, great in naturalistic meadows, and absolutely lovely beside ponds or streams where its graceful form is reflected in the water. Great for containers, too!
• Performs best in full sun. Tolerates part shade, but best flower production occurs in full sun. Although it prefers fairly dry soils and is drought tolerant once established, it also grows in moist, but well-drained soils.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant!
• Cut back old foliage to the ground in late winter.
• Propagate by seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring or by division in spring.
• Most popular cultivars are:
  ‘Burgundy Bunny‘, a miniature cultivar rising up to 16 in. tall (40 cm)
  ‘Hameln‘, a superb, compact cultivar rising up to 30 in. tall (75 cm)
  ‘Little Bunny‘, a dwarf cultivar growing only 20 in. high (50 cm)
  ‘Red Head‘ with big, smoky burgundy inflorescences. 4 ft. tall (120 cm)
• Pennisetum alopecuroides species self-seeds in optimum growing. Cultivars are reported not to come true from seed.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.