SCIENTIFIC NAME: Pennisetum sp.

COMMON NAME: Fountain grass

FAMILY: Poaceae (Gramineae)

TYPE: annual or perennial (depending on species)

LEAVES: perennial leaves are 1/4" wide and 2' to 3' long, foliage is bright green in summer and golden brown in fall; annual leaves are long and narrow, scabrous, sheaths long, ciliate at the ligule

FLOWER: perennial--single flower spike 5" to 7" long, bristles are long and prominent, scabrous texture, brown to pink; annual--inflorescence to 12" long, nodding, pink or purple

SEASON OF BLOOM: summer to fall; ornamental value in winter

GROWTH HABIT: 1' to 4', mounding

SOIL: moist, well-drained soil

SUN: full sun to part shade

HARDINESS: perennial--zone 5; annual--zone 8

UTILIZATION: background, border, massing, specimen plant, cut or dry flowers

DISEASES: none serious

INSECTS AND RELATED PESTS: none serious

PROPAGATION: division, seed

MAINTENANCE: division in spring every 5 to 10 years

NOTES: "Rubrum" is in high demand with it's red foliage and plume