The short answer

Quick Answer

Pennisetum (Fountain Grass) thrives in full sun on chalky, sandy, loamy soils (pH 6-7.5), free-draining. Reaches 60cm to 1m tall and wide. Excellent chalk tolerance. Hardy to around -10°C.

Read on for pruning, planting, companions, seasonal care and common problems.

On this page

Pruning

When: Late March, just before new growth starts

How: Comb or cut back old stems to 10cm above ground. Wear gloves

Origin, history and folklore

Origin: Asia, Australia and parts of Africa

Native or exotic: Exotic

History: Popularised in European gardens in the late 20th century. P. 'Hameln' remains the most widely grown cultivar

Folklore: In parts of Asia, fountain grass was planted around homes to encourage prosperity because of its abundant seed heads

Fun fact: The genus name comes from the Latin penna meaning feather and seta meaning bristle, describing the flower heads

Historical medicinal uses: None recorded

Wildlife and biodiversity

Pollinators: Wind pollinated. Seeds feed small birds [4][5]

Pollinator ranking: 1 out of 10 (10 means a lot of pollinators, 1 means little) [4][5]

Biodiversity value: 6 out of 10 Medium. Provides winter cover for ground beetles[4][5][13]

Seasonal highlight: 8 out of 10 Flower heads August to October, then fading buff through winter[4]

Companion planting and pests

Companion planting: Pairs well with salvias, crocosmia and late asters

Pest control: Generally pest free

Common diseases and issues: Root rot in wet winters. Occasionally rust. See RHS Pennisetum page

Invasive note: P. setaceum is invasive in warmer climates. Choose P. alopecuroides or named cultivars

CGM care note

In the Chilterns we find pennisetum needs a warm, well-drained spot to flower well. On cold clay it sulks. A south-facing gravel bed is ideal.

CGM guides mentioning Pennisetum (Fountain Grass)

These articles from our Gardening Knowledge library mention Pennisetum (Fountain Grass) and may be useful if you are researching or growing this plant.

Useful resources

Plant relationships, Pennisetum (Fountain Grass)

How Pennisetum (Fountain Grass) fits with other plants in a real Chiltern garden, what it works well with, what to avoid, and what to use instead in tricky spots.

Works well with

  • Agapanthus (African Lily), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Apple Tree, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bay, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Beech, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Bergenia (Elephant Ears), shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap
  • Blackthorn, shares similar growing conditions, soil, light and drainage needs overlap

Avoid planting beside

Similar alternatives

Better choice for exposed sites

Better choice for shade

Replacement for failed box

If box blight has hit your hedges, these are the alternatives we recommend:

Seasonal succession partners

Plants with non-overlapping flowering windows to extend the season:

Relevant services

Related articles

Local projects using this plant

See our portfolio for real gardens where we've used Pennisetum (Fountain Grass).

Chiltern growing year

12-month care calendar

Use this as a seasonal prompt for this plant. Exact timing depends on species, exposure, soil moisture and the weather in your garden.

JanuaryCheck winter damage and protect vulnerable new growth.
FebruaryPrune only where the plant and weather allow; plan spring work.
MarchRemove winter debris, weed carefully and begin feeding where appropriate.
AprilPlant in workable soil and water new plants during dry spells.
MayMulch before the ground dries and watch for pests and new disease.
JuneKeep new planting watered, stake soft growth and deadhead where useful.
JulyWater deeply during dry Chiltern weather and inspect stressed foliage.
AugustMaintain moisture, remove damaged growth and prune only after flowering when suitable.
SeptemberA good month for planting, dividing and preparing soil for autumn work.
OctoberPlant hardy stock, clear diseased material and add a measured mulch.
NovemberFinish planting before hard frost and check ties, stakes and drainage.
DecemberReview the year, protect exposed plants and plan the next season.

References and justification

The values above for Pennisetum (Fountain Grass) are supported by the following academic and horticultural authorities. Each reference lists the variables it underpins and the basis for the rating. Inline citation markers (e.g. [4]) next to each value link directly to the supporting reference below.

  1. 1
    RHS (2024). Pennisetum (Fountain Grass) (Pennisetum alopecuroides and hybrids). Plant Profile. Royal Horticultural Society.

    Confirms the horticultural values above for light, temperature (RHS hardiness rating), water, soil type, pH, drainage, feeding, and pruning times/method for Pennisetum (Fountain Grass). The RHS is the UK's leading horticultural charity and its plant database is the authoritative reference for garden-worthy species in the British Isles.

  2. 2
    Kew Science (2024). Pennisetum alopecuroides and hybrids. Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

    Confirms the botanical classification (family Poaceae), native geographic origin, and native/exotic status listed above. Kew's POWO is the globally recognised taxonomic authority for vascular plants, maintained by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

  3. 3
    Kellogg EA (2015). Flowering Plants. Monocots: Poaceae. In: The Families and Genera of Vascular Plants. Springer.

    Peer-reviewed phylogenetic/taxonomic study of Poaceae confirming the origin, taxonomy, and ecological characteristics listed above. Supports: origin, taxonomy, soil_type, water, feeding.

  4. 4
    Rollings R, Goulson D (2019). Quantifying the attractiveness of garden flowers to pollinators. Journal of Applied Entomology, 143(1-2), 68-78.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 1/10 for Pennisetum (Fountain Grass). The pollinator description above ("Wind pollinated. Seeds feed small birds") is consistent with this study's finding that low-ranked plants attract few pollinators relative to high-performing species. The Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides winter cover for ground beetles") reflects the plant's primarily ornamental role rather than ecological significance for pollinator support. Seasonal highlight: "Flower heads August to October, then fading buff through winter".

  5. 5
    British Beekeepers Association (2024). Garden Plants for Bees. BBKA.

    Supports the Pollinator ranking of 1/10 and the Pollinators description ("Wind pollinated. Seeds feed small birds"). The BBKA maintains the UK's definitive list of pollinator-friendly garden plants, and Pennisetum (Fountain Grass)'s ranking is consistent with BBKA guidance on bee-attractive species. Also supports the Biodiversity value assessment ("Medium. Provides winter cover for ground beetles") in the context of garden-scale pollinator support.

  6. 6
    RHS (2024). Pests and Diseases. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pest and disease database confirms the common diseases, pest control notes, and companion planting observations listed above for Pennisetum (Fountain Grass). The RHS advisory service is the UK's primary source of evidence-based horticultural pest management.

  7. 7
    RHS (2024). RHS Hardiness Ratings. Royal Horticultural Society.

    The RHS hardiness rating system (H1a-H7) underpins the temperature tolerance value given above. Pennisetum (Fountain Grass)'s rating is consistent with RHS published hardiness data for the Poaceae family.

  8. 8
    RHS (2024). Soil Types and Testing. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS soil classification and testing guidance supports the soil type, pH range, and drainage requirements listed above for Pennisetum (Fountain Grass). The RHS advises on soil assessment for all garden plants in the UK.

  9. 9
    GB Non-native Species Secretariat (2024). GB Non-native Species Information Portal.

    The GB Non-native Species Secretariat database confirms the invasive status assessment for Pennisetum (Fountain Grass). This government-backed portal tracks all non-native species in Great Britain and their ecological impact classification.

  10. 10
    RHS (2024). Pruning Guide: Shrubs and Climbers. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS pruning methodology and timing guidance for shrubs and perennials underpins the pruning times and methods listed above for Pennisetum (Fountain Grass). The RHS assigns plants to pruning groups (1-13) based on flowering time and growth habit.

  11. 11
    RHS (2024). Watering Plants. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS watering advice supports the water requirement and drainage values listed above for Pennisetum (Fountain Grass). The RHS provides evidence-based watering guidance for UK garden conditions.

  12. 12
    RHS (2024). Feeding and Mulching. Royal Horticultural Society.

    RHS feeding and mulching guidance supports the feeding recommendations for Pennisetum (Fountain Grass). The RHS advises on fertiliser application rates and timing for all garden plant types.

  13. 13
    Bentrup G (2008). Agroforestry: Sustaining native bee habitat for crop pollination. USDA Forest Service, Agroforestry Note 32.

    USDA Forest Service research on companion planting for pollinator habitat supports the companion planting and pest control observations listed above for Pennisetum (Fountain Grass). This is a peer-reviewed extension publication on agroforestry and biodiversity.

  14. 14
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (2024). Plants Used in Traditional Medicine. Kew Science.

    Kew Science's research on plants used in traditional medicine supports the historical medicinal uses, folklore, and history entries above for Pennisetum (Fountain Grass). Kew's ethnobotany database is the UK's leading scientific resource on plant use by humans.

Where Pennisetum (Fountain Grass) performs well locally

Towns where Pennisetum (Fountain Grass) is well suited to typical local soil and climate conditions.

Excellent and strong match

Suitable with preparation

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