Species

1 other cultivar

‘Paul's Giant’Pauls Giant Fountain Grass

grass

Chinese Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Cassian'

The Story

Plant Bio

Pennisetum alopecuroides is a warm-season perennial grass native to eastern Asia and parts of Australia, forming neat, arching mounds of fine-textured foliage. The species is distinguished by its soft, bottlebrush-like flower spikes that resemble foxtails and emerge in mid to late summer.

'Cassian' is a compact dwarf selection growing to about two feet tall and wide, making it highly suitable for smaller gardens and tight borders. Its bright green summer foliage turns brilliant shades of orange, red, and gold in the fall, accompanied by cream-pink flower plumes that mature to a warm tan.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides fine texture, movement, and structural form with arching foliage, pink-tinted summer seed heads, and copper-gold fall color.

Highly resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, tolerates urban air pollution, and helps control erosion on slopes.

Provides nesting materials and winter seed forage for small songbirds, and supports beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Grass

Height

30"

Width

30"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Eastern Asia, Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with well-draining soil, as wet winter conditions will cause the crown to rot.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, then set the plant so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil, and maintain consistent moisture during the first growing season.
Apply a thin layer of mulch around the base of the plant to conserve moisture, keeping it clear of the immediate crown.
Cut the dead foliage back to three inches above the ground in late winter before new green shoots emerge.

Pro Tip

Cut the entire clump back hard to three inches above the ground in late winter; shearing the grass into a rounded ball or pruning during the active growing season will stunt new growth and ruin the natural fountain-like form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut back the entire clump hard in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Ensure the soil drains freely, especially during the cold winter months.
Grow in full sun to maximize flower production and fall foliage color.

Don't

Do not prune or shear the foliage during the active summer growing season.
Avoid over-fertilizing, which leads to weak, floppy stems and reduced flowering.
Do not plant in low-lying areas where water pools or soil remains soggy.

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 plantingsBorder edgingPrairie gardensCoastal gardensContainer planting

Companion Plants

Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia fulgida Sedum 'Autumn Joy'Salvia nemorosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Chinese Fountain Grass questions

What zones can Chinese Fountain Grass grow in?

Chinese 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 Chinese Fountain Grass deer resistant?

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

When does Chinese Fountain Grass bloom?

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

Does Chinese Fountain Grass need full sun?

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

Is Chinese Fountain Grass drought tolerant?

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