Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides
A stunning ornamental grass that creates dramatic focal points with its arching foliage and distinctive bottlebrush plumes that dance in the breeze. This low-maintenance perennial grass offers four seasons of interest, turning golden-tan in fall and providing winter structure before fresh green growth emerges in spring.
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
5–9
USDA hardiness
Height
3 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Fountain Grass in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 grass →Zone Map
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Fountain Grass · Zones 5–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Height: Height: 2.50 to 5.00 feet. Spread: Spread: 2.50 to 5.00 feet. Sun: Sun: Full sun to part shade. Water: Water: Medium to wet. Zones: Zone: 6 to 9. Bloom time: Bloom Time: July to February. Maintenance: Maintenance: Low.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Bloom Time: July to February
History & Origin
Family: Family: Poaceae
Advantages
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Black-Eyed Susan
Complementary colors and bloom times, both thrive in similar sun and soil conditions
Purple Coneflower
Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators, similar drought tolerance
Sedum
Contrasting textures, both are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance
Lavender
Repels pests, attracts pollinators, and thrives in similar well-draining soil
Russian Sage
Deer resistant, drought tolerant, and provides contrasting silvery foliage
Catmint
Repels mosquitoes and rodents, blooms complement grass texture
Blanket Flower
Long blooming period, attracts butterflies, similar water requirements
Salvia
Attracts hummingbirds and beneficial insects, heat and drought tolerant
Keep Apart
Mint
Aggressive spreader that can overtake fountain grass and compete for space
Large Hostas
Competing water and nutrient needs, hostas prefer shade while fountain grass needs sun
Impatiens
Require frequent watering and rich soil, opposite of fountain grass's drought tolerance
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very hardy
Common Pests
Aphids occasionally, deer resistant
Diseases
Root rot in poorly drained soils, generally disease-free