Fountain Grass
Cenchrus
Traits
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Jul 19, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Fountain Grass
Fountain Grass (Cenchrus spp., formerly Pennisetum) is a clumping ornamental grass producing arching green foliage and showy rose-pink to purple bottlebrush plumes from summer through fall. Note: Cenchrus setaceus (common fountain grass) is a FISC Category 2 invasive in Florida — use only sterile, non-reseeding cultivars such as 'Rubrum' (purple fountain grass) to avoid spread into natural areas. Starting at $12.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Pink
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season.
May lose some foliage in cold snaps.
Care essentials
Requires full sun for best form and flowering; plants in part shade droop and produce fewer plumes. NE Florida's sunny, open sites are ideal.
Moderately drought-tolerant once established; irrigation is needed during establishment but minimal thereafter. Well-drained sites are critical — standing water will kill plants.
Adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils including sand, loam, and clay. Minimal fertilization needed; an annual light application of slow-release balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote foliage over flowers.
Similar needs
Indian Grass
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Pampas Grass
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Switchgrass
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Purple Top Grass
Shares 3 of the same needs: low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Asiatic Jasmine
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Beautyberry
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
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Common questions
Is Fountain Grass a good plant for St. Augustine?
Fountain Grass is a grass for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 3-5 feet (species typical; varies by cultivar) × 2-4 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.