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. Zones: 5–9. Height: 2–4 ft. Bloom time: Mid-summer to fall.
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.
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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.