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Tender Fountain Grass

Pennisetum Setaceum

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Overview

Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum) is an ornamental perennial boasting graceful fountains of slender burgundy-purple plumes and fine, arching green foliage. It reaches a height of 3 to 5 feet with a similar spread, adding texture and motion to garden landscapes. Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established, it's ideal for warm climates in USDA zones 9-11, but considered invasive in some areas – check local guidelines.

Sun FullWater Low, Very LowZones 7–10Type GrassClimate Arid, Mediterranean
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — it's ideal for warm climates in USDA zones 9-11; grass for full, image 54

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Low, Very Low
USDA zones
7–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Grass
Family
Scrophulariaceae
Climate
Arid, Mediterranean

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Photos (76)

Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — These inflorescences can reach lengths of 8 to 12 inches and make excellent cut flowers
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — It reaches a height of 3 to 5 feet with a similar spread, adding texture and motion to garden, image 51
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — Drought-tolerant once established; as the plant remains visually appealing even as the blooms mature, image 53
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — Pennisetum setaceum serves as an excellent backdrop for lower-growing perennial flowers
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — thriving in full sun to part shade conditions; which soar above the foliage and exhibit a rosy-hue to purplish
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — These inflorescences can reach lengths of 8 to 12 inches and make excellent cut flowers; grass with purple blooms
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — Fountain Grass is quite drought-tolerant
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — making it a low-maintenance option for xeriscapes or dry gardens
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — it's ideal for warm climates in USDA zones 9-11; grass for full
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — Regular watering will, however, promote the most vigorous growth; thriving in full sun to part shade conditions
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — but considered invasive in some areas ‚Äì check local guidelines; airy texture to the landscape
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — more commonly known as Tender Fountain Grass
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — which soar above the foliage and exhibit a rosy-hue to purplish color; deadheading is not necessary
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — which soar above the foliage and exhibit a rosy-hue to purplish color
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — It reaches a height of 3 to 5 feet with a similar spread, adding texture and motion to garden landscapes; it's
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — The plant blooms from mid-summer into the fall
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — but considered invasive in some areas ‚Äì check local guidelines; airy texture to the landscape, image 55
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — creates dramatic groupings
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — or serves as an eye-catching specimen plant
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — It reaches a height of 3 to 5 feet with a similar spread, adding texture and motion to garden landscapes
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — purple flowers in the garden
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — Pennisetum setaceum serves as an excellent backdrop for lower-growing perennial flowers; but considered invasive
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — with peak visual interest occurring when the plumes are fully developed, image 38
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil; these inflorescences can reach lengths of 8 to 12 inches and make
Photographs by 8 contributors

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