Fountain grass: add cascading beauty to your landscape

Looking for a stunning ornamental grass that offers year-round interest? Fountain grass (Pennisetum spp.) might be the perfect choice for your garden. This mounding perennial produces dense, clumping growth and features attractive blades and small flowers on striking plumes.

Choose the right cultivar for your climate and style

With over 130 species to select from, you're sure to find a fountain grass that thrives in your growing conditions. Popular ornamental varieties include Pennisetum glaucum, P. setaceum, and P. alopecuroides, offering a range of heights, foliage colors, and flowering styles to suit any landscape design.

Plant fountain grass in full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. These warm-season grasses mature in one to two years and can grow up to 48 inches tall by 36 inches wide.

Enjoy all-season interest with fountain grass

Fountain grass provides attractive foliage and flowers throughout the growing season, with some species showcasing vibrant fall colors and winter interest. The foliage can be pruned back in early spring to maintain a neat appearance and encourage new growth.

With its adaptable nature, fountain grass is a great choice for mass plantings, cutting gardens, borders, hedges, and screens. Its unique, fountain-like blooms make it a standout in any landscape.