Skip to content

Tender Fountain Grass

Pennisetum Setaceum

Design with this plant

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 7–10Climate Arid, Mediterranean
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — airy texture to the landscape

Culture

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

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Scrophulariaceae
Climate
Arid, Mediterranean

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (56)

Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil; these inflorescences can reach lengths of 8 to 12 inches, image 52
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) — grass for full; this species has been identified as invasive
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — grass with purple blooms; making it a low-maintenance option for xeriscapes or dry gardens
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) — but considered invasive in some areas ‚Äì check local guidelines; airy texture to the landscape, image 55
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — it's ideal for warm climates in USDA zones 9-11; grass for full, image 54
Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) — more commonly known as Tender Fountain Grass; fountain Grass is quite drought-tolerant, image 56

Related plants

Spiked Speedwell (Veronica Spicata) — Spiked Speedwell (Veronica spicata) is a charming perennial

Spiked Speedwell

Veronica Spicata

Full · Zones 3–8

Streamside Monkey Flower (Mimulus Guttatus) — offering vibrant yellow blooms with splotched throats from late spring to fall

Streamside Monkey Flower

Mimulus Guttatus

Shade · Zones 9–10

Shellflower, Turtlehead (Chelone Lyonii) — Chelone lyonii, commonly known as Shellflower or Turtlehead, is a perennial that thrives in USDA zones 3-8

Shellflower, Turtlehead

Chelone Lyonii

Full · Zones 3–9

Sticky Monkey Flower (Mimulus Aurantiacus) — The Sticky Monkey Flower (Mimulus aurantiacus) offers vibrant beauty with its trumpet-shaped

Sticky Monkey Flower

Mimulus Aurantiacus

Full · Zones 9–10

Bush Beardtongue (Keckiella Brevifolia) — commonly known as Bush Beardtongue

Bush Beardtongue

Keckiella Brevifolia

Full · Zones 10–11

Nemesia (Nemesia Caerulea) — commonly known as Nemesia

Nemesia

Nemesia Caerulea

Full · Zones 3–10