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Pennisetum orientale (Oriental Fountain Grass)

Oriental Fountain Grass

AGM Award
Pennisetum Orientale, Oriental Fountain Grass, Ornamental Grass, Perennial grass, Fountain Grass

Low-growing, compact, and incredibly floriferous, Pennisetum orientale (Oriental Fountain Grass) is a clump-forming tufted perennial grass and one of the most striking hardy fountain grasses. Blooming over an exceptionally long season, its fluffy flower spikes rise high above the foliage, arching upward or outward and cascading down the deep green to gray-green foliage that rustles in the wind. Resembling bottle brushes, the flower spikes consist of soft, pinkish spikelets formed in long, narrow panicles, about 4-5 in. long (10-13 cm). They sway in the breeze and glow when lit from behind in the early morning or late afternoon sun. Over time, those pink panicles mature to a light brown. The foliage turns straw-colored in the fall and remains attractive well into the winter.

  • Typically forms a densely tufted mound, up to 2 ft. tall and wide (60 cm), of narrow green foliage, topped with soft, furry, bottlebrush-like flowers from early summer until fall.
  • Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • 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 borders where it provides texture, color, and contrast. A great choice for containers, small gardens, or rock gardens. Flowers are excellent for cutting in fresh or dried arrangements.
  • Performs best in full sun, in average, medium moisture, and well-drained soils. Tolerates part shade, but flowering will not be as colorful. Sandy loams with good drainage are preferred. Drought and deer resistant!
  • Cut back old foliage to the ground in late winter.
  • It may be propagated by seed or dividing the root mass, which widens each year and usually eventually requires some division. If the plant needs to be divided, do so in early spring, just as the new growth reappears. When planting Oriental fountain grass, ensure the crown is not planted below the soil’s surface, for this will cause it to rot in the center.
  • Native to central and southwestern Asia to northwestern India

Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 10
Heat Zones 4 - 10
Climate Zones 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Poaceae
Genus Pennisetum
Common names Fountain Grass
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Modern Garden, Prairie and Meadow
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Pennisetum glaucum ‘Purple Majesty’ (Ornamental Millet)
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ (Fountain Grass)
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Red Head’ (Fountain Grass)
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Burgundy Bunny’ (Fountain Grass)
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ (Fountain Grass)
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Desert Plains’ (Fountain Grass)

Recommended Companion Plants

Echinacea (Coneflower)
Rudbeckia hirta (Black-Eyed Susan)
Coreopsis (Tickseed)
Anthemis tinctoria (Golden Marguerite)
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Eryngium (Sea Holly)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

An Easy Summer Planting Idea with Sage and Ornamental Grasses
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A Glowing Prairie Planting Idea for Your Summer
A Desirable Summer Border Idea with Grasses, Dahlias and Agastache
An Elegant Front Garden
Native Plant Alternatives to Pennisetum setaceum (Fountain Grass)
Native Plant Alternatives to Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 6 - 10
Heat Zones 4 - 10
Climate Zones 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Poaceae
Genus Pennisetum
Common names Fountain Grass
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" - 24"
(50cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Modern Garden, Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Pennisetum (Fountain Grass)
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