

Fountain Grass: A Field Guide. It may look light and wispy, but it is tough. Pennisetum's plumes spray into the air in burgundy, pink, tan, and cream.
It may look light and wispy, but don’t be fooled. Fountain grass is tough.
Pennisetum owes its nickname to the way its plumes spray into the air in soft colors of burgundy, pink, tan, and cream. Fountain grass loves heat and needs little water after it settles in. Plant it en masse, in containers, or as a supporting player in a garden bed of colorful perennials. A warm-season grass, Pennisetum will rise to the occasion in summer months.