A Fountain of Choices! (Pennisetum )
Posted by John Friel on Feb 8th 2022
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 P. ‘Rubrum’ and the Royal Collection, are grown as annuals.
Let’s look at a few. But… where to begin? Let’s lead off with the little guys at the bottom of the height chart, those under two feet, and work our way up.
Neat mounds of green foliage. 2” foxtail flowers. Great for edging or massing in rock gardens.
Height 10 – 12”.
Hardy in Zones 6 – 9.
a.‘Burgundy Bunny’PP21917
Fine green leaves take on rich red summer accent. Poofy white bunny tail plumes.
Height: 18”.
Hardy in Zones 6(5) – 9.
a. ‘Piglet’PP19074
Cute as its namesake, easy to grow and very floriferous. Midwestern-bred.
Height: 18” in flower.
Hardy in Zones 5 – 9.
messiacum ‘Red Buttons’
Green foliage with burgundy highlights. Blooms emerge rich red, maturing to buff white.
Height: 18 – 24”.
Hardy in Zones 7 – 9.
Next time, we’ll raise our sights for a look at our midsize varieties. Meanwhile, these li’l cuties are ready to move from our benches to yours. Call or email our crack Customer Service crew for industry-leading liners from Emerald Coast Growers – your easy choice!