5 named cultivars

grass

Fountain Grass

Pennisetum setaceum

The Story

Plant Bio

Ornamental grass known for its feathery, pink to purplish flower spikes that sway gracefully in the breeze.

Highly drought-tolerant and thrives in warm climates; great for adding texture and movement to landscapes.

Uses & Benefits:

Pennisetum setaceum adds a soft, flowing texture to gardens, offering visual interest year-round with its silvery or purple hues.

Its drought tolerance makes it ideal for water-scarce landscapes, reducing maintenance needs.

Provides habitat and food for pollinators such as butterflies and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

36 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Africa and Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a sunny location with well-draining soil for planting.
Tuck seeds or cuttings into the soil, ensuring good contact.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity and promote rooting.
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged during establishment, approximately 6 weeks.
Thin out overly dense clumps to encourage airflow and growth.
Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support vigorous growth.

Pro Tip

Use a layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds around the plant.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells 💧
Prune dead or damaged foliage in early spring ✂️
Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring
Divide clumps every 2-3 years to maintain health
Monitor for pests and diseases consistently

Don't

Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
Don’t mow too low during the growing season
Never ignore signs of pests or disease
Avoid planting in poorly drained soil

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Divide
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Graceful ornamental grass for bordersDrought-tolerant accent in xeriscapesSilvery background for flower beds

Companion Plants

Lavender Salvia Coreopsis Echinacea Agave

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Fountain Grass questions

What zones can Fountain Grass grow in?

Fountain Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Fountain Grass deer resistant?

Yes — Fountain Grass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Fountain Grass bloom?

Fountain Grass typically blooms in mid-summer to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Fountain Grass need full sun?

Fountain Grass does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Fountain Grass drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Fountain Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.