Pennisetum

More Information About Pennisetum

Pennisetum is easily one of the most popular and easy to grow perennial ornamental grasses. There is a pennisetum 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 pennisetum grass selections that will provide a whole new dimension to using ornamental grass. The tuft-like leaves of fountain grass and their stunning seed heads make deer-resistant, textural statements in the garden or in containers. Some of our favorites are Pennisetum orientale 'Tall Tales' and Pennisetum 'Karley Rose' both of which we have available from time to time.

Pennisetum can be cut back either in fall or spring, depending on how badly the winter weather ravages the foliage. Although pennisetum is 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. When you're ready to buy pennisetum (fountain grass) for your perennial garden, check out our online list of pennisetum for sale. If you are looking to buy other ornamental grasses then check out our special "ornamental grasses" section for a long list of all of our ornamental grass for sale.