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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

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Zones

5–9

USDA hardiness

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Height

3 feet

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Planting Timeline

Zone:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Transplant

Direct Sow

Transplant

Direct Sow

Showing dates for Fountain Grass in USDA Zone 7

All Zone 7 grass →

Zone Map

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Fountain Grass · Zones 5–9

What grows well in Zone 7? →

Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing24-30 inches

SoilWell-drained soil, adapts to various soil types

pH6.0-7.5

WaterModerate — regular watering

SeasonSummer

FlavorN/A - Ornamental grass

ColorGreen foliage with tan to burgundy plumes

SizeIndividual clumps 2-3 feet wide

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 6	—	May – July	April – June	—
Zone 7	—	May – June	March – May	—
Zone 5	—	May – July	April – June	—
Zone 8	—	April – June	March – May	—
Zone 9	—	March – May	February – April	—

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

Storage & Preservation

Fountain grass doesn't require traditional storage as it's a perennial plant left in the ground year-round. Once established in the garden, it's maintenance-free through winter. If harvesting plumes for dried arrangements, store cut stems in a cool, dry place (60-70°F, low humidity) in a vase without water for 2-3 weeks. For preservation, allow plumes to air-dry naturally indoors away from direct sunlight, or spray-paint them to preserve color. Dried plumes last 6-12 months when stored in a dust-free environment. The living plant survives winter dormancy and re-emerges in spring without special care.

History & Origin

Pennisetum alopecuroides, commonly known as fountain grass, originates from Asia, particularly China, Japan, and Korea, where it grows naturally in grasslands and mountainous regions. The species was introduced to Western horticulture during the late 19th and early 20th centuries as ornamental gardening expanded globally. While specific breeding documentation for early cultivars remains limited, fountain grass became widely cultivated through seed company introductions and nursery propagation throughout Europe and North America during the mid-20th century. Modern ornamental selections have been refined by various breeders and institutions to emphasize desirable traits like compact form, vibrant plume color, and extended seasonal interest, though detailed records of individual cultivar development are often sparse in horticultural literature.

Family: Family: Poaceae

Advantages

+Creates dramatic focal points with distinctive bottlebrush plumes and arching foliage
+Provides four seasons of visual interest from spring growth to winter structure
+Extremely low-maintenance perennial requiring minimal care once established
+Naturally deer-resistant, making it ideal for wildlife-prone gardens
+Golden-tan fall color adds warmth to autumn landscapes

Considerations

-Requires well-drained soil; susceptible to root rot in wet conditions
-Can self-seed prolifically in warm climates, potentially becoming invasive
-Slow to establish in first year despite being ultimately low-maintenance

Companion Plants

Black-Eyed Susan, Purple Coneflower, and Sedum are the strongest pairings — all three thrive in lean, well-drained soil at the same pH range (6.0–7.5) and won't push the grass to compete for water. Lavender and Russian Sage add similar drought tolerance with a contrasting silhouette, and neither will crowd a 24-30 inch spread. Skip mint: it travels aggressively by underground rhizomes and will thread itself through the grass clump until the two are inseparable without full excavation. Large Hostas are a flat mismatch — they want consistent moisture and afternoon shade, which means managing the bed to suit them actively courts the Pythium root rot this grass is prone to in wet conditions.

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

Troubleshooting Fountain Grass

What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.

Clump center dying out — brown, dead stems in the middle with healthy growth only around the outer ring

Likely Causes

Natural maturation: Pennisetum alopecuroides clumps die from the center outward every 3-5 years
Overcrowding from lack of division

What to Do

1.Dig the whole clump in early spring before new growth exceeds 4 inches, split it into fist-sized sections with a sharp spade, and replant the healthy outer divisions at 24-30 inches apart
2.Discard the dead center — it won't recover
3.Top-dress the replanted divisions with an inch of compost to help them reestablish

Roots soft and dark brown at the crown, plant wilting despite moist soil

Likely Causes

Root rot — most commonly Pythium or Fusarium species — triggered by consistently waterlogged soil
Heavy clay soil or a low spot that holds water after rain

What to Do

1.Pull the plant and cut away all rotted roots; if more than half the root mass is gone, compost it and start over with a new division
2.Replant only in well-drained soil amended with coarse grit or pine bark fines, or raise the bed 4-6 inches above grade
3.Going forward, water only when the top 2 inches of soil are dry — this grass tolerates short dry spells far better than it tolerates wet feet

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you grow Fountain Grass in containers?▼

Yes, Fountain Grass grows well in large containers (at least 18-24 inches deep) with well-draining soil. Container-grown plants require more frequent watering than in-ground specimens and may need winter protection in cold climates. Place containers in full sun for best plume production. Regular feeding during growing season supports healthy foliage and flowering.

How long does Fountain Grass take to mature?▼

Fountain Grass reaches full size within 2-3 years of planting, developing a mature clump 3-5 feet tall and wide depending on the variety. It produces plumes the first year after planting in most cases. Young plants grow more vigorously in their second and third seasons, establishing the dramatic architectural form this ornamental grass is known for.

Is Fountain Grass good for beginners?▼

Absolutely. Fountain Grass is rated as easy to grow, making it ideal for beginning gardeners. It's drought-tolerant once established, requires minimal pruning, and adapts to various soil types and light conditions. Its low-maintenance nature, paired with its dramatic visual impact, makes it a perfect starter ornamental grass for creating impressive garden displays.

When should I plant Fountain Grass?▼

Plant Fountain Grass in spring after the last frost or in early fall, allowing 6-8 weeks before first frost for root establishment. Spring planting is ideal in cold climates to ensure winter hardiness. Space plants 3-5 feet apart depending on mature variety size. Water regularly until established, then reduce watering as the plant becomes drought-tolerant.

How often should I water Fountain Grass?▼

After planting, water regularly for 6-8 weeks to establish deep roots. Once established, Fountain Grass is very drought-tolerant and needs minimal watering except during extreme heat or extended dry periods. In-ground plants rarely need supplemental water in moderate climates. Container plants need more frequent watering, especially during hot months and the growing season.

Does Fountain Grass attract wildlife?▼

Yes, Fountain Grass provides habitat and food sources for wildlife. The dense foliage shelters birds and beneficial insects. However, the plant is deer-resistant, so deer won't browse the foliage. The plumes attract birds for nesting materials. Its architectural form creates visual interest while supporting local ecosystems in the landscape.