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Pennisetum thunbergii ‘Red Buttons’ (Fountain Grass)

Red Buttons Fountain Grass, Pennisetum 'Red Buttons', Thunberg's Fountain Grass

Pennisetum thunbergii 'Red Buttons',  Red Buttons Fountain Grass, Pennisetum 'Red Buttons', Thunberg's Fountain Grass, Ornamental Grasses
summer Border, Pennisetum thunbergii 'Red Buttons', Red Buttons Fountain Grass, Pennisetum 'Red Buttons', Thunberg's Fountain Grass, Ornamental Grasses

Noted for its elegant, rosy-red feathery flowers, Pennisetum thunbergii ‘Red Buttons’ (Fountain Grass) is a graceful, deciduous grass that forms a compact, upright clump of narrow grassy leaves. In late summer, showy, elongated, red flower plumes are produced at the tips of long graceful stems. They rise high above the foliage, arching upward or outward, and gradually fade to buff as they mature. Long-lived, they can be admired over a long season and can be used in fresh or dry arrangements. The handsome, bright green foliage turns to a warm golden-tan color in fall and generally remains attractive well into the winter. Excellent addition to mixed borders, Pennisetum thunbergii provides late summer and fall interest.

  • Typically grows up to 3 ft. tall and wide (90 cm). Plants can self-sow and can be somewhat invasive.
  • Performs best in full sun, in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates part shade, but flowering will not be as colorful. Heat and drought tolerant.
  • Welcomed in any garden style, this Fountain Grass 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. Excellent choice for containers, and small gardens. Flowers are excellent for cutting, fresh or dried arrangements.
  • Cut back old foliage to the ground in late winter.
  • Native to Africa, Yemen, Sri Lanka, and Australia.

Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 11
Heat Zones 8 - 12
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A1, A2
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Poaceae
Genus Pennisetum
Common names Fountain Grass
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Modern Garden
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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

Amaranthus cruentus ‘Velvet Curtains’ (Purple Amaranth)
Pennisetum villosum (Feathertop Grass)
Dahlia ‘Bishop of Llandaff’
Verbena bonariensis (Tall Verbena)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

A Pretty Pathway with Grasses and Charming Perennials
A Desirable Summer Border Idea with Grasses, Dahlias and Amaranth
A Desirable Summer Border Idea with Verbena, Amaranth and Pennisetum
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 8 - 11
Heat Zones 8 - 12
Climate Zones 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A1, A2
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Poaceae
Genus Pennisetum
Common names Fountain Grass
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Late)
Fall
Height 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3'
(60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Modern Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Pennisetum (Fountain Grass)
Not sure which Pennisetum (Fountain Grass) to pick?
Compare Now

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