Plant Database
Fountain Grass
Pennisetum setaceum
Fountain Grass is a showy and fast-growing ornamental grass known for its graceful, arching form and feathery, pinkish-red flower plumes. It forms a dense, fountain-like clump of narrow, bright green leaves that take on golden hues in autumn. Throughout the summer and fall, it produces an abundance of long, fuzzy, rosy-pink flower spikes that mature to a soft tan, providing long-lasting visual interest. A heat and sun lover, it adds movement and texture to warm-season gardens but requires careful consideration due to its invasive potential.
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Feathery Pinkish-Red Flower Plumes: Produces a profusion of long, soft, bottlebrush-like flowers in summer that fade to a creamy tan.
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Fast-Growing, Fountain-Like Habit: Quickly forms a large, symmetrical mound of fine-textured, arching foliage.
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Heat and Drought Tolerant: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal water once established.
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Invasive Potential: The species is highly invasive in many warm climates(including California). It spreads readily by seed and can displace native vegetation.
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Best as an Annual or Container Plant: In non-native areas, it is safest to treat it as a summer annual or grow it in containers to prevent seed spread.