Fountain Grass Seeds Pennisetum alopecuroides – Drought‑Tolerant Perennial Ornamental Grass with Bottlebrush Plumes

Description Fountain Grass Seeds Pennisetum alopecuroides – Ornamental perennial grass with bottlebrush plumes and fine-textured foliage Graceful, clump-forming ornamental grass prized for its arching, fine-textured leaves and showy, bottlebrush-like flower spikes. Plumes emerge creamy white to soft pink, maturing to tan and persisting well into winter. An excellent choice for borders, mass plantings, and dried arrangements. Drought tolerant once established and highly attractive to birds. Common Name: Fountain Grass, Chinese Fountain Grass Latin Name: Pennisetum alopecuroides Plant Height: 24–36 in (60–90 cm) Seeds per Gram: ≈ 1,000–1,200 seeds/gram Life Cycle: Perennial (USDA zones 5–9), often grown as annual in colder climates Available Color: Creamy white, soft pink, tan plumes Non-GMO · Open-pollinated · Ornamental grass · Drought tolerant · Winter interest Fountain Grass · Botanical & Variety Details Common name(s)Fountain Grass, Chinese Fountain Grass, Dwarf Fountain Grass Latin namePennisetum alopecuroides – popular warm-season ornamental grass Mature height60–90 cm (24–36″) — graceful, arching mounds of narrow foliage Seeds per gram~1,000–1,200 seeds/gram (approx. 28,000–34,000 seeds/oz) Growth cyclePerennial — forms dense clumps, blooms midsummer to fall, dormancy in winter Ornamental periodMid-summer to late autumn; plumes persist through winter, adding structure Unique trait Bottlebrush-like plumes · Fine-textured gold fall foliage · Attracts birds �� Planting & Growing Guide �� Best planting seasonSpring after last frost, or early autumn in mild climates (zones 8–10) ��️ Ideal temperature65–75°F (18–24°C) for germination; grows best in 70–85°F (21–29°C) ☀️ Shade requirementFull sun is best (minimum 6 hours). Tolerates light shade but reduces plume production and may cause floppy growth. �� Sowing rate (per m²)0.5–1 gram per square meter (approx. 500–1,200 seeds/m²) for dense clump display. �� Sowing depthSurface sow or barely cover (1/8 inch / 3 mm); light aids germination. �� Water & careKeep moist until germination (10–21 days). Drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering. �� Spacing after thinningThin or transplant to 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) apart to allow full clump spread. �� Days to bloomApprox. 90–110 days from sowing to first plumes. Sun requirement: Full sun produces the most abundant plumes and strongest stems. In partial shade, plants may flop and produce fewer flowers. Provide afternoon shade only in zones 9 . Pro density tip: For specimen clumps, space 24″ apart. For massed groundcover effect, space 18″ apart. Sow in well-drained soil; once established, fountain grass is low-maintenance and deer resistant. Sowing quick guide: Spring · Full sun · 0.5–1 g/m² · Surface sow Germination 65–75°F | Full sun best for plumes Harvest plumes when fully emerged and feathery for dried arrangements. Cut back old foliage in late winter before new growth. Deer resistant · Attracts birds · Excellent for erosion control and modern landscapes.