grass

Fountain Grass

The Story

Plant Bio

Cenchrus setaceus, known as fountain grass, is a densely tufted perennial bunchgrass native to Africa and the Middle East that forms an upright, arching mound of fine-textured foliage. The species produces feathery, bristly flower spikes in pink to purplish hues from summer through fall, which fade to a pale cream-buff as they mature.

While the wild species features green to gray-green leaves, popular cultivars like 'Rubrum' are grown for their deep burgundy-purple foliage that maintains its color throughout the growing season. The plant relies on wind pollination and produces abundant seeds, which allows it to naturalize readily and become invasive in warm, arid, or coastal regions.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a fine-textured, arching architectural form with feathery, color-changing flower spikes that persist through fall.

Excellent for erosion control on dry slopes and highly drought-tolerant once established in the landscape.

Offers minor seed-foraging opportunities for local granivorous birds, though its invasive potential limits its ecological value.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

40"

Width

48"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Africa, Middle East

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Autumn

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Prepare well-drained soil, incorporating sand or gravel if planting in heavy or slow-draining areas.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was in the container.
Water thoroughly to settle the soil, then limit irrigation to dry spells once the root system is established.

Pro Tip

Cut the entire clump back to four to six inches above the ground in late winter before new shoots emerge, taking care not to cut into the old, woody center of the crown.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun to ensure robust growth and upright form.
Ensure excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot.
Cut back the foliage annually in late winter to make room for fresh spring growth.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in low-lying areas where water collects.
Do not cut into the old, woody base of the clump when pruning.
Do not plant near wild or natural areas where seeds can escape and invade native ecosystems.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass PlantingErosion ControlCoastal GardensRock GardensSpecimen Planting

Companion Plants

Muhlenbergia capillaris Schizachyrium scoparium Salvia apiana

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.

When does Fountain Grass bloom?

Fountain Grass typically blooms in summer through autumn. 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 (6+ hours).

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.