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Giant Fountain Grass 'Oceanside' (Pennisetum japonicum): A Large, Arching Grass for Coastal Gardens

Giant Fountain Grass 'Oceanside' is a cultivar of Pennisetum japonicum (often treated as a synonym of P. alopecuroides var. viridescens) selected for its large size and adaptability to coastal conditions.

Coastal Toughness

This grass forms a massive, arching mound 5–6 feet tall and wide. The leaves are deep green, turning golden in fall. In late summer, large, foxtail-like plumes emerge, pinkish-tan, aging to cream. It tolerates salt spray, wind, and sandy soils—hence the name 'Oceanside'.

Landscape Impact

Full sun, well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Hardy to zone 5. Its large scale makes it a dominant specimen or screen. The plumes are excellent for cutting. A robust choice for seaside gardens.

Family:	Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee) (Info)
Genus:	Pennisetum (pen-ih-SEE-tum) (Info)
Cultivar:	Oceanside
Synonym:	Pennisetum japonicum

Grasses and Bamboo: Purple Fountain Grass 'Rubrum' (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'); Black Fountain Grass 'Moudry' (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Moudry'); Giant Reed (Arundo donax); Oriental Fountain Grass 'Karley Rose' (Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose'); Giant Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus giganteus); Purple Fountain Grass 'Fireworks' (Pennisetum setaceum 'Fireworks'); Fountain Grass 'Red Head' (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head'); Fountain Grass 'Hameln' (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'); Black-Flowered Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides var. viridescens): A Dark-Plumed, Cold-Hardy Grass; Growing Purple Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum')

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