Perennial Foliage

How to Grow

Start Fountain Grass seeds indoors in the late winter. Use pots or trays filled with moist seed starting mix. Sow the seeds atop the moist soil, then lightly cover. Keep seeds moist until germination, which will occur in 2-3 weeks. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into a larger pot for continued growing. Harden these plants off for 10 days or more before transplanting outside once frost danger has passed. Ornamental grass care includes cutting the plants back in the spring to allow new foliage to grow as well as applying a modest fertilizer in the spring to keep the plant healthy.

• Environment: full sun
• Soil: well-drained w' pH 5.8-6.8
• Sowing rate: 3 seeds per plant

Plant Specifications

Fountain grass is a perennial decorative grass that grows in USDA zones 5 through 9. It is a popular choice for a drought-tolerant ornamental grass, and it is often used in xeriscaping.

• Bloom color: purple to black
• Foliage color: deep green
• Plant height: 36 inches

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides Viridescens) - Easily grown from Fountain Grass seeds, this beautiful variety is commonly called Black Fountain Grass or Chinese Fountain Grass. This black drought tolerant ornamental grass has fuzzy flower spikes that are a smoky purple-black color, and they emerge in late summer and contrast nicely with the fine, deep green foliage. Pennisetum alopecuroides Fountain Grass makes a wonderful accent in the sunny landscape, or plant it in drifts for a massed effect for xeriscape landscaping. The ornamental grasses will dance and sway in the breezes. Pennisetum grass does best in the northern regions or areas with cooler summers.

Ornamental grass care includes cutting the plants back in the spring to allow new foliage to grow, and a modest fertilizer also put down in the spring will keep the plant healthy. Once established, Fountaingrass is a very hardy, drought tolerant plant that will withstand most any soil type except for poorly drained soil.

How To Grow Fountain Grass From Ornamental Grass Seed: Start Fountain Grass seeds indoors in the late winter. Use pots or trays filled with moist seed starting mix. Sow the ornamental grass seeds on the moist soil and lightly cover. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into a larger pot for continued growing. Harden the ornamental grass plants off for 10 days or more before transplanting outside once frost danger has passed. Fountain grass is a good option where xeriscape landcaping and water conservation are important.

Perennial Foliage

How to Grow

Start Fountain Grass seeds indoors in the late winter. Use pots or trays filled with moist seed starting mix. Sow the seeds atop the moist soil, then lightly cover. Keep seeds moist until germination, which will occur in 2-3 weeks. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into a larger pot for continued growing. Harden these plants off for 10 days or more before transplanting outside once frost danger has passed. Ornamental grass care includes cutting the plants back in the spring to allow new foliage to grow as well as applying a modest fertilizer in the spring to keep the plant healthy.

• Environment: full sun
• Soil: well-drained w' pH 5.8-6.8
• Sowing rate: 3 seeds per plant

Plant Specifications

Fountain grass is a perennial decorative grass that grows in USDA zones 5 through 9. It is a popular choice for a drought-tolerant ornamental grass, and it is often used in xeriscaping.

• Bloom color: pale brown
• Foliage color: dark green
• Plant height: 32 inches

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Alopecuroides) - One of the most popular drought tolerant ornamental grasses is Fountain Grass. Fountain Grass seeds are easy to grow, and this variety produces a 32 inch tall mound of narrow green foliage. In the late summer bottle brush-like plumes of pale brown appear. The name Fountain Grass comes from the arching inflorescences that look like water pouring from a fountain. A mass grouping of these ornamental grasses is very striking in the xeriscape garden. The plumes of Pennisetum alopecuroides Fountain Grass make excellent cut flowers and can be preserved.

How To Grow Fountain Grass From Ornamental Grass Seed: Start Fountain Grass seeds indoors in the late winter. Use pots or trays filled with moist seed starting mix. Sow the ornamental grass seeds on the moist soil and lightly cover. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into a larger pot for continued growing. Harden the ornamental grass plants off for 10 days or more before transplanting outside once frost danger has passed. Pennisetum is an excellent option for xeriscape landscaping where drought tolerance and water conservation are important.