Pennisetum

More Information About Pennisetum

Fountain grass is easily one of the most popular and easy to grow perennial ornamental grasses. There is a fountain grass for everyone, from dwarf ornamental grass lovers (20") to those looking for a tall ornamental grass (10'), upright habit or arching, tan or rose seed heads, and green or purple foliage. We offer a wide range of new, exciting non-seeding pennisetum grass selections that will provide a whole new dimension to using ornamental grasses in the garden. Their tuft-like fountains of narrow foliage in addition to their stunning plumage make nice airy statements in the garden. Some of our favorites are P. alopecuroides 'Foxtrot' and P. alopecuroides 'Lemon Squeeze' both of which we have available from time to time.

Growing and Caring for Pennisetum (Fountain Grass)

Pennisetum can be cut back either in fall or spring, depending on how badly the winter weather ravages the foliage. Although extremely tolerant of adverse conditions, it prefers full to part sun and average garden soils. After seeing fountain grass growing on the seacoasts in Korea, I have a new appreciation for the salt tolerance of these ornamental grass plants.

We no longer offer or recommend the spectacular but aggressively reseeding Pennisetum 'Moudry' or Pennisetum viridescens...and doubt that they are actually selections of Pennisetum alopecuroides as some claim. Other fountain grass cultivars have not posed any problems with reseeding.