Pennisetum

Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides sports showy, silvery to pinkish-white bottle brush-like flower spikes which emerge outward from the clump in late summer. The flower spikes turn brownish as the seeds form.

Contributed by @Vonann

plant Features

Full sun
Very little water
Frost Hardy: 23F (-5°C)
Light and free draining

plant information

Common name

Fountain Grass

Latin name

Pennisetum

type

Grass

family

Poaceae

ph

5.0 - 7.0 Acid - Neutral

Light

Full sun
Frost

Frost Hardy: 23F (-5°C)

Soil

Light and free draining
Water

Very little water

Plant & bloom calendar

Best time to plant

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Fountain Grass is 0.60meters x 1.50meters

0.60 M 1.50 M

Pennisetum

Pennisetum alopecuroides sports showy, silvery to pinkish-white bottle brush-like flower spikes which emerge outward from the clump in late summer. The flower spikes turn brownish as the seeds form.

Planting young plants

From Mid Autumn TO Late Spring

Pennisetum are very hardy so they could be planted in the autumn, however late spring is the best time. Newly-bought plants take at least three years to clump up to a decent size and many nurseries specialising in grasses recommend planting in threes and fives. The slightest breeze will add an extra dimension to the winter garden, as well as movement, so it’s important to position all Pennisetum where they catch the light. Don’t tuck them away in deep shade.

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