top of page

Pennisetum alopecuroides

Fountain Grass

Plant Family:

Poaceae

Grass

Flower:

Pink

Blooms :

Jul

to:

Oct

Showy, silvery to pinkish-white, bristly, bottle brush-like flower spikes arch outward from the clump in late summer like water spraying from a fountain (hence the common name). Flower spikes turn brownish as the seeds form, and spikes usually persist unt

Botanical Description

Fragrant?

No

Foliage:

Dark Green

Deciduous

Narrow, medium to deep green leaves (to 1/2" wide) in summer, changing to golden yellow in fall and fading to beige in late fall. Foliage usually remains attractive throughout the winter.

Oregon Native?

No

West State Native?

No

Eastern Asia to western Australia

Site Selection

Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone:

4

Water Needs:

L

Sun Needs:

Full Sun

Deer Resistant?

Yes

Firewise?

No

Height:

2-3'

Spread:

2-3'

Growth Rate:

Fast

Native Habitat:

Grasslands, open woods

Soil:

Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils.

Care Recommendations

Maintenance Level:

Low

Fertilizer:

Mulch:

Long Term:

Divide clumps every 2 to 3 years in early spring.

Winter:

May not be reliably winter hardy throughout USDA Zone 5 where it is best sited in a protected location.

Spring:

Cut back the foliage to about 4-6 inches in the spring before growth resumes. When foliage is removed, spring growth will begin earlier. Old foliage left on the plant can delay the crown?s warming and subsequent growth by as much as 3 weeks.

Summer:

Fall:

Grasses do not need to be cut down before winter. In fact, they are attractive when left standing and the foliage helps to insulate the crown of the plant.

Common Problems

Tolerates part shade, but may not flower in too much shade.

Diseases:

No serious disease problems.

Insects:

No serious insect problems.

Also called:

COMGA

OMGA and COMGA prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities and materials on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, genetic information, veteran’s status, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Email:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

In reference to publications, events, or activities: Publications will be made available in accessible formats upon request. Please contact us if you have a physical disability that requires an accommodation in order for you to attend the event/activity, please notify the Deschutes County Master Gardener program at phone/email.

bottom of page