Fountain Grasses

Fountain grasses or the Pennisetum family members make up a group of perhaps the most popular ornamental grass varieties that are used in landscaping.

Pampas grass and Pennisetum were enjoying popularity as far back as my first year in horticulture which was 1962.

When their wide acceptance actually occurred, I’m not quite sure but I do know that these two paved the way for the fairly recent onslaught of all the other ornamental grasses that have been introduced to the gardening public.

No modern landscape design is complete without at least a few members from the grass, rush, and sedge families.

Some will thrive in soil and others in water, with certain varieties falling into dormancy during winter, while some are evergreen.

Plant heights will vary from just a few inches to well over twelve feet.

For a rather comprehensive listing of ornamental grasses please see our section titled Decorative Grasses.