Green Fountain Grass – Desert Horizon Nursery

Green Fountain Grass

Pennisetum setaceum
Categories:
Grasses  ·  
Grasses
Light
Full sun
Water
Low water once established. For existing plants, water deeply and infrequently during extended hot, dry periods; allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering substantially in winter.
Size
3-4 ft tall × 3-4 ft wide
Habit
Clumping grass
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Description
Green fountain grass usually refers to Cenchrus setaceus (formerly Pennisetum setaceum), a fountain-shaped ornamental grass with arching green leaves and creamy-white flower plumes. It is invasive in Arizona and is not recommended for planting in Phoenix.
Bloom Time
Spring through fall
Deciduous / Evergreen
Semi-evergreen
Special Features
Drought Tolerant
Growth Rate
Moderate to fast
Growth Habit
Clumping grass
Mature Size
3-4 ft tall × 3-4 ft wide
Flower Color
Pinkish-tan to reddish-purple
Foliage Color
Green
Landscape Use
Border / Bed, Desert / Xeriscape
Garden Style
Desert / Xeriscape
Soil
Alkaline Tolerant, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Brittlebush, Fairy duster, Parry's penstemon
Non-toxic
Non-toxic
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun; tolerates light shade but produces fewer flowers.

Water: Low water once established. For existing plants, water deeply and infrequently during extended hot, dry periods; allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering substantially in winter.

Soil: Well-drained sandy, gravelly, or loamy soil. Tolerates alkaline desert soils; avoid persistently wet conditions.

Mature size: Approximately 3–5 feet tall, including flower plumes, and 2–4 feet wide.

Bloom: Late spring through fall in Phoenix, depending on moisture and temperature; dried plumes persist into winter.

Evergreen / deciduous: Semi-evergreen in mild Phoenix winters; frost or drought can turn foliage dormant and brown.

Growth rate: Fast during warm weather.