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: