Chinese Fountain Grass Ornamental Grass for Sun and Partial Shade

Chinese Fountain Grass

1 Gallon

$16.90

1/2

Chinese Fountain Grass

Pennisetum orientale, Cenchrus orientalis

Tough, drought-tolerant grass with fine texture for sun and coast.

$16.90

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Chinese Fountain Grass is a resilient and graceful perennial grass valued for its fine texture, adaptability, and soft, arching flower plumes. It forms a dense, low mound of narrow, bright green leaves that turn golden in fall. Throughout the summer and into fall, it produces an abundance of slender, pink-tinged flower spikes that sway gracefully above the foliage, maturing to a soft tan. Exceptionally drought, heat, and salt tolerant once established, it is a tough and beautiful choice for sunny, well-drained gardens, coastal landscapes, or mass plantings.

Fine-Textured, Arching Foliage & Plumes: Forms a classic fountain-shaped clump with narrow leaves and airy, pinkish flower spikes.
Excellent Drought & Heat Tolerance: Once established, it thrives in hot, dry, and sunny conditions with minimal water.
Coastal & Salt Tolerant: Handles windy, seaside conditions and salt spray better than many ornamental grasses.
Adaptable and Fast-Growing: Quickly fills in an area. Performs well in full sun to very light shade.
Low-Maintenance Groundcover or Accent: Ideal for erosion control on sunny slopes, as a low-maintenance groundcover, or as a textural accent in borders.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Narrow, arching, bright green leaves turning golden-yellow in fall.Flowers: Long, soft, fluffy, bottlebrush-like pink flower spikes maturing to tan, held on tall stems above the foliage from summer to fall.Habit: Perennial semi-evergrass grass forming dense, upright, fountain-like clumps. Fast-growing, deer resistant, and drought tolerant once established.
Mature Height: 1–2 ft (flower spikes add 1-2 ft)
Mature Width: 3–5 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Light Needs: Full sun to partial afternoon shade
Key Advantages:Showy, long-lasting fluffy flower spikes.Attractive foliage with good fall color.Drought tolerant and deer resistant.Low maintenance and provides movement in the garden
Landscape Uses:Mass planting and borders.Container and patio gardens.Erosion control on slopes.Coastal and seaside gardens.Accent in mixed beds

Q: Is it invasive?
A: The species Pennisetum orientale is not typically considered invasive like Pennisetum setaceum. It may self-seed moderately in ideal conditions but is generally well-behaved. For complete peace of mind, choose a sterile cultivar like 'Karley Rose' or 'Fairy Tails'.

Q: How do I manage its size and prevent flopping?
A: Plant it in full sun for the sturdiest growth. Avoid over-fertilizing or overwatering, which can cause weak, floppy growth. If it becomes too large or opens up in the center, it can be divided in early spring. The recommended annual late-winter cutback also helps maintain vigor.