Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by aehack

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.

Show all photos

Pennisetum alopecuroides

Also Known As

Fountain Grass

Plant type

perennial, groundcover, grass / grass like

size

H: 30"-5'
W: 30"-5'

planting zones

6a-9b

More Options

Pennisetum alopecuroides plant details

Pennisetum alopecuroides is a deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial groundcover grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In fall, summer and winter pink and silver flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Pennisetum alopecuroides

Plant type: perennial groundcover grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 30 IN - 5 FT - wide, 30 IN - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and silver blooms in fall, summer and winter
Uses: cutting garden, dried-arrangements, fall color

GROWING CONDITIONS for Pennisetum alopecuroides

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This grass of great charm sports arching flower heads mimicking a glorious fountain. The erect to pendulous loosely clumped blades grow to about 3' and provide a perfect, dark green home for the spiky panicles of foxtail-like inflorescences borne in August and September.