Oriental fountain grass (Pennisetum orientale) pen-nih-SEE-tum or-ee-en-TAL-ee Genus:  Pennisetum Pink, bottle-brush flowers rise well above arching clumps of graceful foliage in summer. This grass is beautiful in a mixed border, rock garden, or massed at waterside. It blooms in June with pink plumes. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Compact tuft of grass with abundant fuzzy pink flower spikes. Care:  Site in full sun and light, fertile, well-drained soil. Cut back the previous year's growth by early spring. Propagation:  Start seeds indoors in early spring at 55-64° F, or divide plants in late spring or early summer. Problems:  Usually problem-free, but rust, eye spot, and other leaf spots sometimes affect plants.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun Only Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage Bloom Time Late Summer, Summer Flower Color Pink Uses Beds and Borders, Waterside Style Rock Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Tolerance Deer Tolerant Type Grasses