Introduction

Gardening is a rewarding activity that involves an understanding of your regional climate and soil. In the northeastern United States, adding ornamental grasses to your garden can offer a unique aesthetic appeal. This article will discuss one of the most popular of these grasses….Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’

Little Bunny Fountain Grass

Little Bunny Fountain Grass, Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’, is a mini form of Fountain Grass at only 12 inches tall and a welcome variety to those with small beds, court yards and rock gardens. Near the end of summer, fluffy cream-white plumes will pop above green foliage. Soon the undergrowth turns to gold for a beautiful autumn show. Feel free to use Little Bunny Fountain Grass in containers or for cut flower arrangements. It will grow in full to part sun and will adapt to a variety of soil conditions as long as it remains well drained.

Little Bunny is the smallest sized Fountain Grass and grows to 10 to 12 inches tall and wide. It likes full sun and blooms from late summer through fall.

Little Bunny is one of the variety of Fountain Grass that you can grow among the flowers in your garden because it will not block the sun.

It is deer resistant and is not toxic. It is a very healthy plant to grow.

Little Honey is a smaller version of Little Bunny Fountain Grass.  It grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches.

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’, also known as Dwarf Fountain Grass grows to 1 to 2 feet with a spread of 12 to 18 inches.  It requires full sun and well drained soil.  Its flower color is yellow and the foliage is green.  Pollinators couldn’t care less about it and it is deer resistant.

It grows best in zones 4 to 10. This includes the Eastern United States

It beautiful plumes turn a coppery russet color in the fall and remain that way long into the winter.

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How and Where To Put It in Your garden

It depends how big your garden is and to what height fountain grass grows.  The tall fountain grass which are the varieties are:

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Foxtrot’ formerly called P. alopecuroides ‘Japonicum’ is one of the largest and fastest growing fountain grass.  The slightest breeze causes an elegant movement hence the name “fox trot”.

This is one of the tallest and fastest growing varieties of the fountain grass family. It grows up to 4 feet tall, 5 feet with flower. Plant them 4 feet apart because this grass is a giant. They are deer resistant and long blooming.

For all you urban dwellers out there they can be planted in a 4 to 5 gallon container.

Not prone to reseeding so I wouldn’t worry that they are invasive or not.

They love full sun to light shade, so I would think you could plant them anywhere in your garden, even in rocky and sandy soil.

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Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’  or Purple Fountain Grass

This particular fountain grass grows up to 4 feet with a width of 3 feet and is the most dramatic. It has plumes of red flowers attached to plum purple leaves. It blooms from mid-summer to mid fall and is deer resistant. It needs full sun and is drought tolerant.

It does not mind an urban environment and can be planted in suitable container.

While doing research on this article about fountain grass I have been reading that it is toxic and invasive. Certain states will not allow it within their borders and it may be or may not be toxic to animals. The only thing I can say is if you want to plant a certain grass in your garden do some research on it. There are so many opinions about this that I think that would be the safest way to go.

Don’t get this lovely fountain grass mixed up with Purple Love Grass

Fountain Grass grows from 12 inches to 5 feet high. It depends on the variety. I just think that with a little common sense while planting these wonderful grasses that you will do just fine. If you want to do a little research on where each variety originated from that will give you some clue on how to take care of your special variety of fountain grass.

Other kinds of Grasses for your viewing pleasure

Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’

Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’, or Evergold Sedge, is a Japanese grass known for its striking variegated foliage. Its slender, arching leaves are dark green with a broad central stripe of bright yellow, creating a beautiful contrast. This grass is a shade-lover and can thrive in both dry and wet soil conditions, making it versatile for various garden sites. Its low-growing habit and delicate texture make it an excellent choice for edging paths or for growing in containers.

Cortaderia selloana ‘Pumila’

Cortaderia selloana ‘Pumila’, commonly known as Dwarf Pampas Grass, is renowned for its impressive, fluffy white flower plumes that rise above the foliage in late summer. This grass is hardy, drought-resistant, and can withstand the harsh winters of the northeastern U.S. Its majestic size and dramatic presence make it a perfect focal point in the garden.

Creating a diverse and captivating garden is achievable with the addition of these ornamental grasses. Each offers unique visual appeal and can thrive in the region’s varied climate and soil conditions. Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’, Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’, and Cortaderia selloana ‘Pumila’ are excellent options to consider for an interesting, low-maintenance, and beautiful garden.

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Conclusion

I chose the northeastern United States because that is where I live, I am also a city-dweller so I am quite sure that these particular grasses will thrive in a city atmosphere.

I love ornamental grasses I think they add a bit of drama to any garden. There is nothing like seeing them sway in the breeze with their beautiful colors shining in the sun.

Thanks for reading the whole article and I hope you get as much joy out of these grasses as I do.

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