How to Grow Fountain Grass
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Fountain Grass
Pennisetum setaceum
grassFountain grass is an ornamental perennial grass known for its graceful, arching foliage and feathery plume-like flower heads that resemble fountains. It adds movement and texture to landscapes with minimal maintenance and striking visual appeal, particularly in warm climates. The plant typically grows 3-4 feet tall with burgundy, pink, or white plumes depending on the variety.
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Example Fountain Grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Fountain Grass
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Fountain Grass
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Fountain Grass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; grown as annual in colder zones
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds germinate in 7-14 days with warm soil. Seedlings emerge as fine grass blades, growing slowly initially.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light and warm temperatures (70-85°F). Thin seedlings to proper spacing.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlant develops dense, arching foliage in fountain-like form. Leaves grow upright then gracefully arch downward.
Water moderately, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings. Begin fertilizing monthly with balanced fertilizer. No pruning needed.
Flowering
6-12 weeksFeathery plumes emerge from the foliage tips, starting greenish and maturing to pink, burgundy, or cream depending on variety.
Maintain consistent moisture. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to encourage flowering over foliage. Deadhead spent plumes to encourage more blooms.
Peak Ornamental
4-8 weeksPlant reaches full size with abundant plumes creating the characteristic fountain effect. Foliage may take on purple or reddish tones in cooler weather.
Minimal watering needed for established plants. Stop fertilizing. Enjoy as landscape focal point or cut for dried arrangements.
Dormancy/End of Season
Variable; 2-4 months in cold climatesIn frost-prone areas, foliage dies back. In warm zones, plant may persist as semi-dormant evergreen.
In zones 9-10, cut back dead foliage in spring before new growth. Leave seed heads through winter for wildlife and visual interest. Do not water.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use insecticidal soap if severe
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Remove with alcohol-soaked cotton swab, spray with neem oil
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Prune affected stems, spray with horticultural oil
Uses
Ornamental culinary gardens
CulinaryWhile not edible itself, fountain grass adds beautiful texture to edible gardens and complements herb and vegetable plantings as a decorative element. [source]
Dried arrangements and florals
CraftThe feathery plumes are prized for dried flower arrangements, wedding bouquets, and crafts. They maintain their structure and color well when properly dried. [source]
Landscape design and screening
HouseholdFountain grass serves as an excellent privacy screen, windbreak, or focal point in xeriscape and modern garden designs. Its movement adds dynamic visual interest. [source]
Seed and shelter for birds
WildlifeThe abundant seeds attract finches and other seed-eating birds through fall and winter. Dense foliage provides shelter and nesting sites. [source]
Xeriscaping and drought gardens
HouseholdOnce established, fountain grass requires minimal water, making it ideal for water-conscious landscapes in arid and semi-arid regions. [source]
Harvest Tips
For dried flower arrangements, cut plumes when fully emerged and fluffy, usually mid to late season. Hang upside down in cool, dry location for 1-2 weeks. Leave plumes on plant through fall and winter for wildlife food and landscape interest.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Fountain grass is native to Africa and has naturalized in Mediterranean climates, California, and other warm regions worldwide.
- 🌱 The feathery seed heads can remain beautiful and intact for months, providing winter interest long after the foliage has turned golden or russet.
- 🌱 Different cultivars produce distinctly colored plumes—'Rubrum' has deep burgundy plumes, 'Weserbergland' produces wine-red flowers, and 'Verticillatum' has white plumes.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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