We grow over two dozen varieties of this multifaceted, cosmopolitan genus. Why so many? Because no two are alike. Let’s inventory their assets and characteristics.

Size: Our fountain grass offerings range from awww!-some cuties like ‘Little Bunny’, a mere 10 – 12” tall, all the way up to statuesque six-footers in the Royal Collection.

Foliage: Name it! At one end of the color spectrum is the bright chartreuse of P. alopecuroides 'Yellow Ribbons’. On the dark side are the Royals, with big, rippling, jet-black blades. In between? Green, of course, plus burgundy, pale pink, hot pink and various variegations. Autumn brings a show of blazing reds and oranges.

Flowers: The little guys produce cute little white “bunny tail” blooms. Others adorn the garden with nodding foxtails and fat bottlebrush plumes of white, tan, smoky purple and dark red. The Royal Collection produces no flowers at all in most of North America. Those dazzling blades are the whole show.

Hardiness: Most varieties are hardy from USDA Zones 6 (5 with protection) through 9. Others, like best-selling Pennisetum ‘Rubrum’ and the Royal Collection, are grown as annuals. 

We started at the bottom of the size chart and have now arrived at the top, where we find The Royal Collection! 

Ta-Da! These big, robust plants make a bold garden statement as stand-alone specimens. Their presence is downright massive when they’re planted en masse.

Culture Notes : All Royal varieties are hardy in Zones 8 – 11, but they get up to size so quickly, they’re best handled as annuals. They thrive in average soil with minimal care; just water in dry spells.

First Knight™ PP25515 The deepest, darkest, blackest blades in the realm, with a gleaming ruby midrib. A favorite here. Height 48 – 54”. 

Majestic™ PP25518 Gracefully flowing red/purple leaves. 6’.

Noble™ Tall of stature, elegant of posture, broad and bold of blade and habit. 6½’

‘Prince’ PP18509 Dappled royal purple blades darken as the season warms. 5 – 6’.

‘Princess’ PP17728 Similar to its sibling Prince, but more petite and lady-like. 3 – 4’.

Princess Caroline™ PP21464 Brilliant purple, disease-resistant foliage. 4 – 5’.

Regal Princess™ PP25517 Like ‘Princess’, but with richer and more robust purple foliage. 3 – 4’.

Royal Lady™ PP25514 Blades emerge green, segueing through maroon to royal purple with red midrib. Upright, full and graceful. 4 – 5’.

We know: Choosing among these beauties can be a royal pain. Try them all and pass the pain – and the glory – along to your customers.

Next up: A grass that really needs no introduction. You’ll see.

The Royal Collection is ready to conquer gardeners’ hearts, by way of your benches. Call or email our crack Customer Service crew for industry-leading liners from Emerald Coast Growers – your easy choice!