feather reed grass
Calamagrostis ×acutiflora
3 ft 11¼ in–5 ft 10⅞ in × 1 ft 3¾ in–1 ft 11⅝ in
Low maintenancegrass
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Grass · Poaceae family
Fountain grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides
Full sun 1 ft 7⅝ in–5 ft 10⅞ in × 1 ft 3¾ in–3 ft 11¼ in to −70 °F
In short a 10-second read
SunFull sun
Size1 ft 7⅝ in–5 ft 10⅞ in
spacing 31½ in
spacing 31½ in
PlantingApril–May
WinterMulch around the base
Where to plant and how much to water
Sun, soil and water.
It grows best in full sun, in dry to average soil.
Sun
Sun6 hours or more
Part shade3–6 hours
Shadeunder 3 h
Soil
acidic to neutral soil
acidicneutralalkaline
Watering
Frost
−70 °F
How much space it takes
Mature size.
The mature plant next to a person (69 in).
1 ft 7⅝ in–5 ft 10⅞ in× spread 1 ft 3¾ in–3 ft 11¼ in
Plant 31½ in apart.
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
Through the year.
Typical for a temperate climate (four seasons). The line shows the current month.
The year at a glance
Planting
Now, in October: nothing to do — the next job is in April.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
container plant: April–May
What to plant now (April) full list in April (323) →What to plant now (May) full list in May (185) →
Feeding
Nutrition.
No feeding
Pests and diseases
Common problems and what to do.
The most common problems in Central Europe. Protection is listed from the gentlest option.
No serious pests or diseases
The source lists no significant problems.
Sources (1)
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 1 ft 3¾ in–3 ft 11¼ in wide and 1 ft 7⅝ in–5 ft 10⅞ in tall; recommended spacing 31½ in.
Sources (11) Checked 24 October 2026
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tufted hair grass
Deschampsia cespitosa
1 ft 11⅝ in–3 ft 11¼ in × 1 ft 3¾ in–1 ft 11⅝ in
Low maintenancegrass