Fountain grass is a non-native grass used for its mounded habit and brushlike flower spikes. There are different species of fountain grass. Some are hardy in the Chicago region and some are not. Fountain grass is hardy in the Chicago region and is sometimes referred to as hardy fountain grass.
Size and Form:
Fountain grass has a mounded, arching habit and grows 2 to 3 feet tall.
Native geographic location and habitat:
It is native to Asia.
Leaf description:
Green leaves are 1/4 to 1/2 inch wide and 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 feet long. Foliage will turn yellow in fall and fade to a tan color for winter.
Flower description:
Flowering occurs in mid-summer, usually July into August. The tiny flowers occur in brushlike spikes and the flowers are wind pollinated.
Fruit description:
The small fruit (caryopsis or grains) form along the spikes that held the flowers.
Plant care:
Fountain grass grows well in full sun and moist, well-drained soils, but tolerates some drought. This is a warm season grass, so its most active growth occurs in summer. It will remain standing in winter and can act as winter interest, although the seed heads will begin to shatter in autumn. Since this grass remains attractive through winter, it should not be cut back until early spring, before new growth begins. At that time, it can be cut down to the ground.
List of pests, diseases, and tolerances:
It is not affected by any serious problems but winter hardiness can be a problem in severe winters.
Black Flowering fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’):
This grass has dark purple flowers that are almost black and contrast well with the green foliage. Foliage turns yellow to orange in the fall.
Foxtrot fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Foxtrot’):
This cultivar grows 4 feet tall and has purplish flowers in spikes.
Hameln fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’):
This dwarf cultivar grows only 2 feet tall and has fine texture.
Little Bunny (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’):
This dwarf cultivar grows 1 foot tall and has fine texture.
Prairie Winds™ ‘Desert Plains’ fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Desert Plains’):
This cultivar has an improved habit, better flowering, and good fall color of red, orange, and yellow.
Red Head fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Red Head’):
This cultivar grows 3 to 4 feet tall and has pinkish-red flowers.
