Chinese Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides)
Chinese Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) is a graceful ornamental grass with arching foliage and fluffy bottle-brush flower heads. Ideal for naturalistic and contemporary landscape designs.
Price on request – Contact us to order
Specifications
- Height: All sizes available
- Sunlight: Full sun
- Watering: Low watering
- Soil: Well-drained soil
- Frost resistance: Hardy to -20°C
Use in landscaping projects
Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) is an ornamental grass widely used in modern and naturalistic landscaping: roundabouts, park beds, borders, office courtyards and low-maintenance gardens. It forms compact clumps of arching leaves, and from late summer to autumn produces soft, fluffy plumes that move beautifully in the wind. It stays decorative in winter, when the dry clumps catch the frost.
Planting and spacing
Depending on variety and size, 3–5 plants per square metre are planted. It prefers sunny sites and well-drained soils. Plant in spring or early autumn; in large groups it creates a very decorative mass effect.
Care and maintenance
Once established it tolerates drought well. Clumps are cut back close to the ground at the end of winter or in early spring, not in autumn, to keep their winter interest. Every few years large clumps can be divided.
Frequently asked questions
When should fountain grass be cut back?
At the end of winter or in early spring, before new growth starts, to 10–15 cm above the ground.
Is Pennisetum suitable for public spaces?
Yes, it is hardy, drought tolerant and needs only one cut a year, which is why it is widely used on roundabouts and in parks.
Wholesale ornamental shrubs
Useful guides