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Fountain Grass - Mounded (Pennisetum alopecuroides )
Color Name: Desert Plains
This large fountain grass makes a great focal point in a sunny landscape. It is easy to grow as long as full sun is provided. Many consider it to be the best hardy pennisetum available today.
'Desert Plains' is a seedling of 'Cassian' discovered by Gary Trucks of Amber Wave Gardens in West Michigan. It has an improved habit and flowering performance over 'Cassian'.
The finely textured, green leaves form a beautiful upright vase-shaped clump. Beginning in midsummer, the tips of the foliage begin to turn deep red and the entire clump transitions to shades of orange and gold in fall. 5in. long, tan colored bottlebrush plumes are produced in early fall, about 2 weeks later than 'Cassian'.
Growing Tips: Pennisetum prefers to be grown in rich loamy soil with good drainage and full sun or light shade. However, it will grow in rocky or sandy soil as long as it remains fairly moist. This grass resents having "wet feet". This species may be proagated by seed or division.
Flower Color: Tan shades / Foliage Color: Green shades
Height: 3-4 Feet / Spread: 3-4 Feet
| Hardy in Zone: | 5 | | Blooms: | Late Summer, Fall | | Foliage Season: | Summer | | Exposure: |
Full Sun |
| | Soil Moisture Needs: |
Moderate |
| | Growth Rate: | Medium |
| Characteristics: |
Cut Flower or Foliage | 
Dried Flower | 
Container |
- Evergreen
- Drought Tolerant
- Border
- Mass Plant
- Specimen Plant
- Landscapes
|
| | Critter Resistance: |
Deer |
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