Fountain Grass | Plant Profile

Fountain Grasses (Pennisetum alopecuroides) are small to medium height ornamental grasses with green blades and tufts of cloud-like seed blooms that reach above the body of the plant. They clump at the base but the spread greatly by the tips of the blades.

There are several varieties of Fountain Grass each with slightly differing features. Please see below for specific details.

Fountain Grasses prefer medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. They survive well in cities as they are tolerant of air pollution but not deer. Fountain Grasses attract birds who eat the seeds from the seed plumes. Plumes reduce in numbers with heavier shade. Mulch should be placed in the winter to help guard the roots from freezing.

Fountain Grasses are popular along borders or water gardens, ponds, and streams because of their tolerance of wet soils. The spreading of the blades creates delicate but noticeable texture in landscapes.