Foreign Fountaingrass: A Graceful Grass with a Complicated Story
If you’ve ever admired those elegant, arching grasses with feathery plumes swaying in the breeze, you might have encountered foreign fountaingrass (Pennisetum advena). This ornamental grass has captured the hearts of many gardeners with its graceful form and low-maintenance nature, but like many plants, it comes with its own unique story that’s worth understanding before you decide whether it belongs in your landscape.
What Is Foreign Fountaingrass?
Foreign fountaingrass is a perennial grass that can also behave as an annual depending on your climate. As its name suggests, this fountaingrass creates beautiful, fountain-like clumps of narrow leaves that arch outward from the center. The real showstopper comes in late summer and fall when the plant produces its characteristic feathery seed heads that often have a lovely purple tint.
This grass falls into the graminoid family, which includes all those wonderful grass-like plants that add movement and texture to our gardens. Don’t let the foreign in its name fool you entirely – while it’s considered non-native in some areas like Hawaii, Pennisetum advena is actually native to parts of the lower 48 United States.
Where Does It Grow?
Currently, you can find foreign fountaingrass growing in California, Florida, Hawaii, and Texas. In Hawaii, it’s established itself as a naturalized species that reproduces on its own in the wild, while in other areas it may be part of the native flora or cultivated in gardens.
The Appeal Factor
What makes gardeners fall for this grass? Several things, actually:
- Graceful, arching form that adds movement to the landscape
- Beautiful feathery seed heads with purple tints
- Low maintenance once established
- Drought tolerance that makes it perfect for water-wise gardening
- Adaptability to various soil conditions
Growing Conditions and Care
Foreign fountaingrass is remarkably easy-going when it comes to growing conditions. It thrives in full sun and shows impressive drought tolerance once established, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping or low-water gardens. This grass isn’t particularly picky about soil type and can adapt to various conditions, though well-draining soil is always preferred.
In terms of climate, foreign fountaingrass does best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11, where it can maintain its perennial nature. In cooler zones, it might behave more like an annual, which could actually be helpful in preventing unwanted spread.
Planting and Maintenance Tips
Once you’ve decided to grow foreign fountaingrass, here’s how to keep it happy:
- Plant in full sun for best growth and flowering
- Water regularly during establishment, then reduce once the plant is settled
- Cut back the entire plant in late winter or early spring before new growth begins
- Be aware that this grass may self-seed in favorable conditions
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years if they become too large
Landscape Role and Design Ideas
Foreign fountaingrass works beautifully as an accent plant, bringing vertical interest and soft texture to garden borders. It’s particularly stunning in naturalized landscapes, prairie-style gardens, and contemporary designs where its architectural form can shine. The grass pairs wonderfully with wildflowers, other ornamental grasses, and drought-tolerant perennials.
Consider using it in mass plantings for dramatic effect, or as specimen plants where their fountain-like form can be fully appreciated. The feathery seed heads also make excellent cut flowers for dried arrangements.
Wildlife Benefits
While foreign fountaingrass may not be a major pollinator magnet (grasses are typically wind-pollinated), it does provide seeds that birds appreciate. The dense clumps can also offer shelter for small wildlife.
Should You Plant It?
Here’s where things get a bit nuanced. Foreign fountaingrass can be a lovely addition to the right garden, especially in areas where it’s native. However, given its ability to naturalize and self-seed, it’s worth considering native alternatives that might provide similar aesthetic benefits while supporting local ecosystems more directly.
If you’re gardening in areas where this grass is native, it can be an excellent choice for sustainable landscaping. In other regions, you might want to explore native grass species that offer similar ornamental value. When in doubt, check with your local extension office or native plant society for recommendations specific to your area.
The key is being a thoughtful gardener – understanding what you’re planting, how it behaves in your specific location, and what alternatives might be available. Foreign fountaingrass isn’t necessarily a bad plant, but like any garden resident, it’s worth understanding its full story before giving it a permanent home in your landscape.
