Fountain Grass — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Pennisetum alopecuroides |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 7–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 90–180 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 61–91.4 |
| Mature height (cm) | 61–121.9 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 61–91.4 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 5–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Division |
Growing directions
Plant divisions or container plants in well-drained, average to poor, slightly acidic to neutral soil in full sun; fountain grass is one of the most graceful and adaptable of all ornamental grasses, forming dense, arching mounds of narrow, green or bronze-tinted foliage with arching flower spikes capped by fluffy, bottlebrush-like, rosy-beige seed heads from midsummer through fall. The foliage turns golden-orange in fall and the dried seed heads persist through winter, providing months of four-season interest. Cut back to 4–6 inches above ground in late winter before new growth emerges. 'Hameln' (compact, 2 feet), 'Little Bunny' (miniature), and 'Moudry' (dark, nearly black seed heads) are widely grown cultivars. Note: some cultivars may self-sow and become weedy in warm climates — choose non-seeding types or remove seed heads before they mature.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
OpenPlantDB · pennisetum-alopecuroides
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0