Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Alopecuroides) - One of the most popular drought tolerant ornamental grasses is Fountain Grass. Fountain Grass seeds are easy to grow, and this variety produces a 32 inch tall mound of narrow green foliage. In the late summer bottle brush-like plumes of pale brown appear. The name Fountain Grass comes from the arching inflorescences that look like water pouring from a fountain. A mass grouping of these ornamental grasses is very striking in the xeriscape garden. The plumes of Pennisetum alopecuroides Fountain Grass make excellent cut flowers and can be preserved.

How To Grow Fountain Grass From Ornamental Grass Seed: Start Fountain Grass seeds indoors in the late winter. Use pots or trays filled with moist seed starting mix. Sow the ornamental grass seeds on the moist soil and lightly cover. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into a larger pot for continued growing. Harden the ornamental grass plants off for 10 days or more before transplanting outside once frost danger has passed. Pennisetum is an excellent option for xeriscape landscaping where drought tolerance and water conservation are important.

Pennisetum Red Buttons (Pennisetum thunbergii) - Start Pennisetum seeds for a mid-sized, clump forming grass that prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained or sandy soil. Ornamental grasses are excellent in mixed borders and give late summer and autumn interest. Pennisetum thunbergii Red Buttons grass is sometimes referred to as Red Bunny Tails. Pennisetum Fountain Grass is both heat and drought tolerant, and in the heat of summer, rosy-red, feathery clusters are formed. The red plumes of Red Buttons Fountain Grass are extremely attractive and are good for cutting. They can be used in fresh or dried arrangements.

Fountain Grass seeds can be started indoors. Using a seed starting tray filled with a pre-moistened seed starting medium that drains well, place the ornamental grass seeds on top of the soil and gently press the seeds in. Keep the Red Buttons seeds moist until germination occurs. Some gardeners start the Red Bunny Tails seeds directly outside in the spring after danger of frost has passed. Prepare a seedbed, and press the seeds into the soil that has been worked into a fine tilth. The soil temperature needs to be 65 degrees for germination. Keep the ornamental grass seeds moist, and throughout the first growing season, water the grass with regularity. In subsequent years, Pennisetum Fountain Grass will be drought tolerant perfect for xeriscape gardening.