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