Grass Specifications
- Season: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 5 - 9
- Height: 36 inches
- Width: 20 inches
- Foliage Color: Deep green
- Flower Color: Brown to black
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Fall Color: No change
- Soil Requirement: Well-drained soils, pH 5.8 - 6.8
- Environment: Full sun
Planting Directions
- Temperature: 72F or warmer
- Average Germ Time: 2 - 3 weeks
- Light Required: Yes
- Depth: Cover seed lightly with vermiculite
- Sowing Rate: 3 seeds per plant
- Moisture: Keep seeds moist until germination
- Plant Spacing: 32 inches
Chinese Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Alopecuroides Viridescens) - This beautiful variety of fountain grass, often called black-flowered fountain grass or Chinese fountain grass, has fuzzy flower spikes that are a smoky purple-black in color. They emerge in late summer and contrast nicely with the fine, deep green foliage. This ornamental grass does best in the northern regions or areas with cooler summers.
This fountain grass makes a great accent in a sunny flower border, or you can plant in drifts for a massed effect. The grasses seem to dance and sway to the breeze. Only grows to approximately 20 inches. Plants should be cut down in the spring to allow new foliage to grow, and a modest fertilizer also put down in the spring will keep the plant healthy. Once established, Chinese fountain ornamental grass is a very hardy, drought tolerant plant that will withstand most any soil type except for poorly drained soil.
