Fountain Grass: Graceful Arching Plumes
Pennisetum alopecuroides
Fountain grass forms graceful arching mounds topped with bottlebrush plumes from mid-summer to frost. Hardy Pennisetum alopecuroides comes back each year; purple fountain grass (P. setaceum "Rubrum") is a stunning annual in cold zones.
Sun
Full sun
Water
Low
Hardiness zones
5–9
Height
2–4 ft
Bloom time
Mid-summer to fall
Care & Growing Tips
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Cut back to 4–6 inches in late winter. Avoid over-fertilizing. "Hameln" is the compact standard; "Little Bunny" stays under 18 inches. Purple fountain grass needs winter protection below zone 9.
Companion Plants
Design your fountain grass garden
See fountain grass in your own yard before you plant. Upload a photo to Arden and visualize complete garden designs featuring fountain grass alongside companion plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 Does purple fountain grass come back every year?
Only in zones 9–10. In colder zones it's treated as an annual — stunning but short-lived. Dig and overwinter in a bright cool spot (50–55°F) if you want to save it. Hardy Pennisetum alopecuroides (green fountain grass) is a true perennial in zones 5–9.
Q2 Why did my fountain grass flop after a storm?
Over-fertile soil or too much shade. Fountain grass wants lean soil and full sun for stiff, upright stems. Cut flopping plants back hard and resist fertilizing; they'll regrow sturdier. 'Hameln' and 'Little Bunny' are compact types that rarely flop.
Q3 Is fountain grass invasive?
Pennisetum alopecuroides is mildly self-seeding but not invasive in most regions. In California and parts of the Southwest, non-native fountain grasses (P. setaceum) are banned as invasive. Check with your local extension before planting in warm climates.