Pennisetum orientale (Fountain Grass)

Pennisetum orientale is one of the most graceful of all ornamental grasses, perfectly suited to our Sonoma County dry-summer, Mediterranean climate despite its origins in China, Southwestern Asia, and Northern India.

Versatile Grass

Fountain grass partners beautifully with many drought-tolerant species in mixed perennial beds but is also widely used in groups lining deep beds or broad walkways.

Grass clumps grow 1-2 ft. high, slowly spreading 3-4 ft. wide.
Long, arching inflorescences wafting above foliage clumps create stunning specimen plantings.
Considered an easy-care grass, it is often used as a foundation plant or feature around a pond or along a dry creek bed.

Features

This is a mound-forming, densely tufted, deciduous, perennial grass with upright or arching, narrowly linear green or gray-green leaves.

Its impact comes from the soft bristled spikelets in narrow panicles that resemble long bunny tails or bottle brushes that sway in the breeze.
When lit from behind in early morning or late afternoon sun, the flower plumes glow.
Pennisetum orientalebegins bloom in early June with pinkish hued flower panicles.
As the year progresses, panicles slowly mature to light brown and persist until frost.
Foliage turns straw-colored in winter, giving this hardy grass almost year-round interest.
It is both drought tolerant and deer resistant.

Planting and Pruning

Fountain grass is best planted in full sun in well-drained soil but appreciates some shade in the hottest microclimates. It also thrives in partial shade in any location.

To prevent winds from scattering dry grass in winter, cut clumps—December to February—very low, about 1-2 in. above the ground or even lower.
To limit expansion, every few years divide the pruned clump in early spring just as new growth begins to appear.
When planting or transplanting, make sure the growing points are not planted below the soil’s surface or the grass will rot.
After several years, the center of older mounds naturally begins to die out.
To maintain the same broad clump, clear out the dead area and dress it with compost. New growth will quickly begin to fill in.
Alternatively, use this opportunity to divide the outer circle into sections and replant.

September 2023