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Soft bottlebrush-like plumes of fountain grass in warm backlightOrnamental grasses

Pennisetum alopecuroides

Fountain Grass

ornamental grassfountain grassdrought-tolerantautumn interestwinter silhouette

Fountain grass is an elegant ornamental grass that produces soft, bottlebrush-like plumes from August to October. The grass forms a dense, mound-shaped tussock and looks its best when backlit, with sunlight filtering through the feathery plumes. The flower heads and foliage turn warm golden-brown in autumn.

See in your garden

Characteristics

Sun
Full sun
Water
Low
Height
60–120 cm
Spread
50–80 cm
Hardiness zone
6–9
Family
Poaceae
Evergreen
No
Flower colors
beige, brown
Wildlife value
birds, insects

Bloom period

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Care guide

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Once established, this grass is remarkably drought-tolerant and needs little watering. Avoid overly rich soil — lean conditions keep the plant more compact. Leave the plumes and foliage standing through winter for structural interest and to protect the crown.

Pruning tips

Cut the entire grass back to a hand's width above ground level in February or early March, before the new shoots appear. Do not prune in autumn — the old foliage insulates the plant against frost and the plumes remain decorative until spring.

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