Grass · Poaceae family
fountain grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides
In short a 10-second read
Fountain grass (grass) grows to 0.5–1.8 m tall and 0.4–1.2 m wide when mature. It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −21 °C.
× spread 0.4–1.2 m
Where to plant
Sun, soil, frost.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil. Hardy to −21 °C.
Sun
Elsewhere it will grow less well.
Soil and water
dry to average · watering: little
Soil: loamy, sandy
Frost
It overwinters outdoors; in cold, windy spots winter protection is worth it.
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (175 cm).
Next to a person
Reaches maturity in about 2–5 years. The final size depends on the cultivar and the spot — we give the range from smallest to largest.
Calendar
What to do and when.
Months for Central Europe. The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Pruning
cut back to the ground (March)
Planting
container plant: March–May, September–October
Winter protection
mulch the crown
Overwintering
In winter it needs protection.
Before the first frosts: mulch the crown.
- Mulch the crown
- Hardy to −21 °C
- Dies back in winter and regrows in spring
What to combine it with
Same needs, different flowering.
They share the same sun and soil and flower in other months — so the bed flowers for longer.
Frequently asked
Quick answers.
Does fountain grass tolerate shade?
No, it needs full sun.
How much space does fountain grass need?
At maturity 0.4–1.2 m wide and 0.5–1.8 m tall; recommended spacing 80 cm.
Does fountain grass survive winter outdoors?
Yes, with protection: mulch the crown.
Where the data comes from
The data is indicative — we are still comparing it with further sources. Last checked 28 September 2026.
Show sources (10)
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- RHS Plant Finder
- Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Finder
- EPPO Global Database
- EPPO Global Database — Cenchrus setaceus
- EPPO Reporting Service — update of the EU list of invasive alien species
- Európska komisia — Invasive Alien Species
- Info Flora (CH) — národná botanická autorita
- Iowa State Extension - How to Plant Perennials
- RHS - How to grow ornamental grasses
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