Ornamental grasses can be the unsung heroes of landscaping, offering texture, movement, and often, minimal maintenance. Among the plethora of choices available, Pennisetum alopecuroides, commonly known as fountain grass, stands out for its graceful, arching foliage and striking plumes. Let’s delve into the positives and negatives of this versatile plant.
Positives:
Elegant Appearance: The feathery plumes of Pennisetum alopecuroides sway delicately in the breeze, adding movement and visual interest to any landscape. Their arching foliage forms a graceful mound, providing a soft, naturalistic aesthetic.
Seasonal Interest: Depending on the variety, fountain grass can offer a range of seasonal interest. In summer and Autumn, many varieties boast showy, bottlebrush-like plumes. Plumes transition from creamy whites (Pennstripe®) to soft pinks (Nafray®) and burgundy (Purple Fountain Grass or Rubrum Dwarf, for a smaller plant), adding vibrant color to the garden. Even after the plumes fade, the foliage often takes on attractive hues of bronze, red, or copper, extending its visual appeal into the cooler months.
Adaptability: Pennisetum alopecuroides is known for its adaptability to a variety of soil types and conditions, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It can tolerate drought once established, making it a resilient choice for water-wise landscapes. Additionally, it thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade, offering flexibility in its placement with a landscape design.
Low Maintenance: Fountain grass is relatively low maintenance once established. It typically requires minimal watering and seldom needs fertilizing. Pruning is generally limited to cutting back the foliage in late winter or early spring to make way for new growth, although some gardeners leave the dried plumes intact for winter interest.
Wildlife Attraction: The airy plumes of Pennisetum alopecuroides are not just visually appealing; they also provide food and shelter for wildlife. Birds are particularly drawn to the seeds, making native fountain grass a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly landscapes.
Negatives:
Invasive Potential: While the standard Pennisetum alopecuroides is not considered invasive, some cultivars, particularly those with sterile seeds, have been known to escape cultivation and naturalize in certain regions. Care should be taken to select cultivars with low invasive potential.
Winter Dormancy: In colder climates, fountain grass may go dormant in winter, with its foliage turning brown and drying out. While some gardeners appreciate the textural interest of dried grasses in the winter landscape, others may find the dormant period less visually appealing.
Allergen Potential: While not a significant concern for most people, the pollen of fountain grass can be allergenic for some individuals, causing hay fever-like symptoms during the flowering season.
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