Fountain Grass Growing Guide

Pennisetum alopecuroides, Pennisetum setaceum, Pennisetum orientale

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil.

Position

Full sun to partial afternoon shade.

Frost tolerant

Established fountain grass plants are winter hardy to -30°F (-34°C).

Feeding

None needed except when grown in containers. Feed potted plants monthly with a liquid organic fertilizer.

Spacing

Single Plants: 2' 11" (90cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 2' 11" (90cm) with 2' 11" (90cm) row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

You can sow fountain grass seeds in spring or fall, but pennisetums often do not breed true from seed. If you want to grow a cultivar with colored foliage or showy seed heads, start with a vegetatively propagated cultivar. Set out container-grown plants from spring to early summer in sunny, unimproved soil. Young plants need water their first year, but after that fountain grass becomes very drought tolerant. Fountain grass is fast to establish and forms a vigorous clump by its second year. You can increase your supply of plants by digging divisions from the outside of the clump in late spring and transplanting them to a new location.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Fountain grass brings grace and movement to the garden, especially when sited so that its feathery seed heads can be seen through morning or evening sun, or against an evergreen backdrop. Symmetrically round plants, with long leaves that arch toward the ground, fountain grass explodes with pretty seed heads in summer, which persist until early winter. Fountain grass has a tendency to self-sow, especially in warmer climates where the seeds can sprout all winter. American breeders have developed a number of seed-sterile cultivars that take the worry out of growing this durable ornamental grass, including ‘Cayenne’ and ‘Praline’. In winter, after the tops have broken and withered, use a hedge trimmer or small chain saw to cut the plants back to about 4 inches (10 cm) from the ground.

Harvesting

The leaves and seed heads can be used in cut arrangements. You can increase your supply of plants by digging divisions from the outside of the clump in late spring and transplanting them to a new location.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Fountain Grass

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail