The Story
Plant Bio
Ornamental grass with arching foliage and fluffy flower spikes.
Known for its attractive, feathery flower heads that persist into early fall.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
30 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate once established, drought-tolerant
Humidity
Average garden humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Caucasus to Southwest Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged for 6 weeks.
- Mist cuttings with water daily to encourage rooting.
- Transplant seedlings when they are 4 inches tall into full sun.
- Apply mulch around plants to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Pro Tip
Plant in full sun with moist, well-drained soil for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Prune back after flowering to promote new growth
- Mulch annually to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during active growth
- Refrain from fertilizing in late fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Oriental Fountain Grass questions
What zones can Oriental Fountain Grass grow in?
Oriental Fountain Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Oriental Fountain Grass deer resistant?
Yes — Oriental Fountain Grass is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Oriental Fountain Grass bloom?
Oriental Fountain Grass typically blooms in summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Oriental Fountain Grass need full sun?
Oriental Fountain Grass does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Oriental Fountain Grass drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Oriental Fountain Grass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Pennisetum to compare
Little Bunny Dwarf Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Little Bunny'
Hameln Dwarf Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'
Karley Rose Fountain Grass
Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose'
Pauls Giant Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Pauls Giant'
Ginger Love Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Ginger Love'
Dwarf Fountain Grass 'Piglet'
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Piglet'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Oriental Fountain Grass with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.