Fountain Grass

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum)

• Appearance: Slender, arching green or burgundy leaves (depending on cultivar) and feathery flower spikes (pink/purple when young, fading to beige).
• Height: Typically 2–4 feet tall, with a similar spread.

• ‘Rubrum’: Burgundy foliage and pink-tinged plumes.
• ‘Fireworks’: Variegated leaves (green, white, hot pink) with red plumes.
• ‘Cupreum’: Coppery-red plumes and green foliage.

• Climate: Thrives in USDA zones 8–11; prefers warm, dry climates.
• Sun: Full sun (at least 6 hours daily).
• Soil: Well-drained; tolerates poor, sandy, or rocky soils.
• Water: Drought-tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.

• Pruning: Cut back to 6 inches in late winter/early spring to promote new growth.
• Fertilizer: Light feeding in spring with balanced fertilizer (optional).
• Propagation: Divide clumps in spring or fall (some cultivars are sterile and must be propagated this way).

• Accent plant, borders, mass plantings, or containers.
• Plumes add texture to gardens and work well in dried arrangements.