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.
Specifications
- 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
03Find fountain grass in your zone
11Zone-specific care, planting windows, and alternatives.
- Z5 Fountain Grass in Zone 5
- Z6 Fountain Grass in Zone 6
- Z7 Fountain Grass in Zone 7
- Z7a Fountain Grass in Zone 7a
- Z7b Fountain Grass in Zone 7b
- Z8 Fountain Grass in Zone 8
- Z8a Fountain Grass in Zone 8a
- Z8b Fountain Grass in Zone 8b
- Z9 Fountain Grass in Zone 9
- Z9a Fountain Grass in Zone 9a
- Z9b Fountain Grass in Zone 9b
Frequently Asked Questions
01 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.
02 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.
03 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.
