Green Fountain Grass (Pennisetum)

Description

Green Fountain Grass (Pennisetum)

There are many species of the grass genus Pennisetum, including the agronomic crops pearl millet and elephant grass (used for forage and now for biofuel), plus numerous landscape ornamentals, including ‘Purple Majesty’ ornamental millet (P. glaucum).  Fountain grass, P. alopecuroides, is a perennial ornamental grass, with various cultivars hardy from zone 4 or 5 through 10. This warm season grass native to meadows and open woods, alongside streams of Eastern Asia (mainly China and Japan) and Australia has finely textured foliage and elegant form. The leaves and flower spikes swaying in the breeze add movement to the landscape.

Features of Plant

The deep green foliage forms a dense but graceful clump 12-48″ tall, depending on the cultivar. Growth is upright at first, then the leaves arch at maturity, resembling a fountain. The length and width of the long, tapering, subtly serrated blades vary greatly among the cultivars. It is a graceful, elegant ornamental grass with plumes resembling bottle brushes that appear in summer. It is an eye-catching clump-forming fountain grass with green leaves and fluffy plumes of white. Gracefully arching foliage is a source of all-season colour and soft texture in the landscape. The white flower heads make interesting additions to cut flower arrangements.

It prefers full sunlight, which brings out the intense colour; however, it tolerates partial shade. Nearly any well-drained soil is fine, but the grass doesn’t do well in soggy, poorly drained soil.

Uses: Contrast to borders, foundations and open areas. The plant will develop to a height of 2 to 4 feet, with a comparable spread. They may easily enhance the beauty of your landscape, ease of care and reliability, and are commonly used in commercial plantings as ornamental grasses — also as much in home landscapes

Planting and Caring

• Common Name: ‎Fountain Grass, Chinese Fountain, Little Bunny
• Sunlight: Full Sun
• Water: medium
• Soil: well-drained soil
• Height: 2 to 4 feet
• Spike Colour: White
• Fertilizer: Apply any organic fertilizer
• Difficulty: Easy to grow Grass

Also check:

Pennisetum Setaceum ‘Rubrum’ – Purple Fountain Grass