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