Fountain Grass
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Moderate to Fast
- Full Sun to Part Shade
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Deer resistant
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About Fountain Grass
Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) forms a graceful, arching mound of fine green foliage topped with fuzzy, bottlebrush-shaped flower plumes in shades of pink, cream, or burgundy depending on cultivar, blooming from summer through fall and moving attractively in even a light breeze, which gives the plant its common name. It grows at a moderate to fast pace to 2-4 feet tall and wide, fitting easily into a mixed perennial border or mass planting along a walkway, considerably more compact and versatile for smaller Lawrenceville landscapes than the much larger Pampas Grass. It tolerates Georgia's clay soil and heat well and, once established, handles drought reasonably well, though it appreciates more consistent moisture than the toughest native grasses. Deer generally avoid it. Fountain Grass provides strong textural contrast against broad-leaved perennials and shrubs and offers extended seasonal interest, since its plumes persist into fall and its tan foliage still provides winter structure until cut back in late winter before new spring growth begins.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 2-4 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 2-3 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Low to Moderate — drought tolerant once established |
| Bloom Season | Summer through Fall (bottlebrush plumes) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to Fast |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
| Pet Safe | Yes |
| Native to Georgia | No |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Plant Fountain Grass in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil; Georgia clay needs only modest amendment. Space plants 2-3 feet apart for a mass planting or border. Water regularly the first season; established plants tolerate moderate drought. Cut the clump back to a few inches in late winter before new growth emerges to keep the plant tidy and vigorous.
Fast Facts
- Fuzzy bottlebrush flower plumes, summer through fall
- Mature size: 2-4 ft tall and wide
- More compact than Pampas Grass — fits smaller landscapes
- Moderate to fast growth
- Deer resistant, tolerates moderate drought
- Provides winter structure until cut back in late winter
Pairs Well With
Fountain Grass FAQs
Is Fountain Grass a good size for small gardens?
Yes, Fountain Grass stays a manageable 2-4 feet tall and wide, making it much better suited to smaller garden beds and mixed borders than the much larger Pampas Grass, which can reach 8-10 feet. Its graceful arching form and bottlebrush plumes work well as a focal accent even in modest-sized Lawrenceville landscapes.
Is Fountain Grass deer resistant?
Yes, Fountain Grass is considered deer resistant, making it a reliable choice for Gwinnett County properties bordering wooded areas with regular deer traffic. As with any "deer resistant" plant, hungry deer in a hard winter may still sample new growth occasionally, but damage is typically minimal.