Green Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum)

An elegant ornamental grass with arching foliage and soft, bottlebrush flower plumes.

Green Fountain Grass, also known as Tender Fountain Grass, is a graceful perennial ornamental grass native to Africa and the Middle East. It is widely used in landscaping for its flowing form and airy texture. While the species can grow up to 1.5 meters tall, most garden and landscape varieties typically reach a height of 40–60 cm.

The plant features long, narrow green leaves that arch outward, forming a soft mound. Its most attractive feature is the fluffy, bottlebrush-like flower plumes that appear in late summer and fall. These feathery blooms are usually pink or purple, though white and green varieties also exist. The flowers sit atop slender, arching stems that sway gently in the breeze, creating a beautiful fountain-like effect.

Green Fountain Grass is valued for its durability and low maintenance needs. It performs best in sunny locations with well-draining soil and is tolerant of heat and mild drought once established. This makes it an excellent choice for garden borders, mass plantings, containers, and decorative landscape accents.

Caring for your Green Fountain Grass

Difficulty level: Easy
Light requirement: Full sun
Watering schedule: Once a week (more during extreme heat)
Soil type: Well-draining soil
Pet friendliness: No