This is one of the most popular of the ornamental grasses because it does not get too tall or invade other plants in the perennial border.

treat as annual in this climate

Fountain Grass

(Pennisetum setaceum)

Poaceae family

Fountain grass is a perennial, but may be grown as an annual in cold climates. It is a close relative of the important African cereal grass and source of bird seed, (P. glaucum). Annual Fountain Grass is a 4’-5’ mound of long leaf blades. The inflorescences, which grow upward loosely and nod, are pink and purple with a cream color toward the ends of the flowers. Fountain Grass produces these inflorescences in the summer and likes full sun or partial shade, with a moist, well-drained soil. Fountain Grass can be used in borders, backgrounds, specimen plants, or for cut flowers. It is native to Ethiopia.