Chinese Fountain Grass

Chinese Fountain Grass

5 Gallon
$52.90
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Chinese Fountain Grass
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Chinese Fountain Grass

Pennisetum orientale, Cenchrus orientalis

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

$52.90
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Description

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.

Quick Facts

  • 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

Faqs

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.

📍 Primary Delivery Area · San Francisco Bay Area

Local delivery across the Bay Area — and beyond.

San Francisco Bay Area is our primary local delivery market. Victory Nursery also serves additional California markets and selected extended delivery areas by arrangement.

Regular local delivery: San Francisco, Peninsula, South Bay, East Bay, Marin, Tracy / Mountain House and surrounding service areas.

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A good garden starts with the right size

Choose your starting point.

1 Gallon

1 Gallon

A practical starting size for perennials, grasses, groundcovers, vines and young shrubs. Lightweight, easy to plant and well suited for projects that need multiple plants.

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5 Gallon

5 Gallon

A popular size for shrubs, screening plants and young trees. Large enough to make an immediate difference in the garden while still manageable for most residential projects.

Explore 5 Gallon Plants

Gallon describes the container size, not a guaranteed plant height. Individual plants vary. Contact our nursery for current measurements.

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