Pennisetum setaceum

Common Name:
Fountain Grass

Description:
Pennisetum setaceum is a highly ornamental, fast-growing grass known for its graceful, arching green foliage and soft, bottlebrush-like flower plumes that create a flowing, fountain-like effect. It adds movement, texture and a relaxed, naturalistic feel to garden landscapes, making it a popular choice for borders, mass plantings and large containers. In Melbourne conditions, it thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and is notably drought tolerant once established. From late spring through to autumn, it produces abundant silky flower spikes in shades of pink to purple, fading to soft tan as they mature. While visually striking and low maintenance, this species is considered invasive in parts of Australia and can self-seed readily, potentially impacting native ecosystems. It is best used with caution and maintained responsibly in cultivated settings.

Form:
• Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:
• Height: 1–1.5 m
• Width: 0.8–1.2 m

Aspect:
• Full Sun

Flowering:
• Flowers in Spring
• Flowers in Summer
• Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:
• Pink-purple
• Silvery-tan (as seed heads mature)

Key Attributes:
• Suitable for Pots (large containers)
• Perennial
• Evergreen to semi-evergreen
• Drought tolerant once established
• Low maintenance
• Fast growing
• Adds movement and texture
• Suitable for mass planting
• Attractive seed heads
• Wind tolerant
• Can be invasive and self-seeding in some regions of Australia

Toxicity:
Not known to be toxic to humans, dogs or cats.

Companion Plants:
• Miscanthus
• Lomandra
• Dianella
• Salvia
• Verbena bonariensis
• Gaura
• Lavender
• Westringia
• Grevillea