Also known as Fountain Grass · 604 saves
Pennisetum
Pennisetum, the genus most gardeners know as fountain grass. We track 16 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 16 most-saved Pennisetum varieties
4 species of Pennisetum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Pennisetum in Sow
Save the Pennisetum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Pennisetum
Whats common across all Pennisetum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 16 most-grown of them.
The Pennisetum year
- DivideApril and May69% of varieties
Divide large, crowded clumps every 3-4 years in early spring.
- PruneFebruary and March63% of varieties
Cut back all old foliage to 4-6 inches above ground before new growth starts
- PlantApril–June56% of varieties
Plant in spring after frost or in early fall.
- FertilizeJune50% of varieties
Apply a light, balanced fertilizer only if soil is poor.
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Water regularly during dry spells 💧
- Prune dead or damaged foliage in early spring ✂️
- Monitor for pests and diseases consistently
- Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Plant in poorly drained soil ❌
- Avoid planting in poorly drained soil
What goes wrong with Pennisetum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Webbing and speckled leaves | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and apply insecticidal soap |
| Japanese beetles | Skeletonized leaves where beetles have chewed the foliage. | Hand-pick beetles in the morning and drop them into soapy water. |
| Rust | Orange pustules on leaves | Remove affected foliage and apply fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Fungal leaf spot | Brown or black spots on leaves | Apply fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Pennisetum
Division
- Dig up mature clump in early spring
- Separate into smaller sections with roots attached
- Plant divisions immediately into prepared soil
- Water thoroughly and mulch
Seeds
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring
- Keep soil consistently moist during germination
- Thin seedlings to proper spacing after emergence
- Transplant when established
Pennisetum questions
How many types of Pennisetum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 16 distinct Pennisetum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 604 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Pennisetum grow in?
Across its varieties, Pennisetum covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Pennisetum bloom?
Most Pennisetum varieties bloom in late summer, summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Pennisetum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.