Pennisetum setaceum
Common Names: African fountain grass, tender fountain grass,
fountain grass, purple fountain grass
Family: Poaceae/Gramineae (grass Family)
Grass Perennial Drought Tolerant Has Unusual or Interesting Foliage
Flowers Useful for fresh and/or dried arrangements
Description
Fountain grass is a very showy ornamental grass with graceful,
arching leaves, and erect or nodding rose-colored flower spikes up
to 12 in (30.5 cm) long. Fountain grass grows in dense, symmetrical
clumps that can get 3-4 ft (0.9-1.2 m) tall and 2-3 ft (0.6-0.9 m)
across with a fountain of feathery plumes flowing out of the
foliage.
'Cupreum' has reddish stems and leaves, and copper-colored
plumes. 'Rubrum' and 'Purpureum' are larger, to 5 ft (1.5 m) tall,
with dark purple leaves and burgundy-red, nodding plumes to 15 in
(38.1 cm) long. 'Eaton Canyon' is a miniature, to 30 in (76 cm)
high, with burgundy-red foliage and plumes. These cultivars
generally do not set seed, and therefore are good choices for
tropical and subtropical climates where the species could become
invasive.
Location
Fountain grass is native to open, scrubby habitats in tropical
Africa, the Middle East and SW Asia. It has escaped cultivation and
become established in parts of Australia, California and southern
Florida.
Culture
Fountain grass is a decorative yet durable ornamental grass that
needs virtually no care once established. It is tolerant of high
temperatures, high humidity, high wind, drought, and acidic to
alkaline soils, and is pest-free.
Light: Full sun. Tolerates partial shade.
Moisture: Extremely drought tolerant. Established plants thrive in
climates with less than 20' of rain annually.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 8 - 11. Fountain grass is a perennial in USDA
Zones 8-11, but is often grown as an annual and started from seed
each year in cooler climates. It can also be dug up and brought
inside during winter. Even in warm climates, fountain grass will
turn brown and die back in winter.
Propagation: Fountain grass, the species, is propagated from seed
and it will self-sow in warm climates. Most of the cultivars do not
produce seeds; they are propagated by dividing the root clumps.
Usage
Fountain grass makes a dramatic statement anywhere in the landscape.
Use it as a foundation plant, a specimen, in a group, or in a
border. It fits in a desert garden or a rock garden or a
low-maintenance area. It makes a striking accent in perennial beds.
It can be used as a ground cover. It's good for median strips,
parking lot borders and erosion control.
Features
Fountain grass plumes are highly favored in both fresh and dried
floral arrangements. There are a number of fountain grasses that are
grown as garden plants including Chinese fountain grass (P.
alopecuroides) and oriental fountain grass (P. orientale).
WARNING
Fountain grass is listed among the "most invasive widespread
wildland pest plants" in California by the California Exotic Pest
Plant Council. The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council lists fountain
grass as a catetgory II exotic, defined as an invasive plant that
has increased in abundance or frequency but has not yet altered
Florida plant communities to the extent shown by Category I species.
These species may become Category I if ecological damage is
demonstrated."
Fountain grass turns brown and dry in winter and becomes
extremely flammable. Dense stands of it are a fire hazard. |
