Do you have a yard that is in need of major landscaping? Fountain grass (Pennisetum spp.) may be just the thing for you. This versatile ornamental genus of grass can grow in many different environments, even in dry climates where other plants would wither and die. And it looks good in all seasons. Use our guides below to find tips on how to grow and care for fountain grass, species and cultivar selection, and landscaping ideas. Happy gardening!
Ornamental fountain grass is hardy in Zones 4-10. A low-maintenance option with year-round appeal in some areas, Pennisetum plants have finely textured blades and an elegant, mounding form. Their tapering foliage and flower plumes add all-season interest, the perfect easy-care addition to your home landscape. Read more.
For dramatic beauty in the landscape, consider purple fountain grass, a showy ornamental that dazzles with colorful leaves and long, droopy, and fluffy plume heads. It’s grown as an annual in most of the US, but overwinters in zones 9-11. Now on Gardener’s Path, learn more about this hybrid plant with African origins.