Product Description
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Desert Plains' PP20751 (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Grass-Ornamental, Fountain Grass
This large fountain 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', a seedling of 'Cassian', has an improved habit and flowering performance over 'Cassian'.
The finely textured, narrow, 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. Showy 5” bottlebrush plumes held above the foliage emerge smoky purple and age to tan.
Ornamental Grasses of the PRAIRIE WINDS® Collection add graceful texture and movement to the garden. These varieties thrive in full sun growing conditions and are proven deer resistant.
The PRAIRIE WINDS® trademark is owned by Walters Gardens, Inc.
Height: 3.0-4.0 Feet
Spread: 3.0-4.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Tan shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Fall
Deer Resistant
Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting
Pennisetum a. 'Desert Plains' (commonly known as fountain grass ) is a cultivar of the Pennisetum alopecuroides species . It is a warm-season ornamental grass that is known for its attractive foliage and showy flower plumes. This cultivar is an excellent choice for adding texture, movement, and a touch of drama to sunny gardens.
Pennisetum a. 'Desert Plains' forms a dense, upright clump of gracefully arching, linear leaves that create a beautiful vase-shaped clump. The foliage starts bright green in summer, then the tips begin to turn a deep red as the season progresses. In fall, the entire clump transitions to warm shades of orange and gold, providing multi-seasonal interest. In mid to late summer, large, smoky purple, bottlebrush-like flower plumes emerge above the foliage. These plumes resemble foxtails and add a touch of whimsy to the garden. They age to a tan color and look particularly stunning when backlit by the sun.
This cultivar is an improvement over older cultivars like 'Cassian' and 'Hameln' in habit, flowering performance, and fall color. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9, making it suitable for various climates. At maturity, it will attain a height of 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. It is not prone to reseeding. The Pennisetum alopecuroides species is native to Asia and Australia.
How to Grow To successfully cultivate Pennisetum a. 'Desert Plains', choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide and slightly deeper than the root ball. Remove the grass from its nursery container and tease out roots if potbound. Set the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level or slightly higher than the surrounding soil to allow for settling. Backfill the hole with soil, tamp down slightly to remove air pockets, and water well.
While fountain grass can tolerate a wide range of soils, it prefers amended soil with good drainage. Water plants regularly until established.
Ideal Growing Conditions Pennisetum a. 'Desert Plains' thrives in full sun and can tolerate both hot and dry as well as humid conditions. It is easy to grow as long as full sun is provided. Although it prefers fairly dry soils and is drought tolerant once established, it also grows in moist, but well-drained soils. Once established, it will tolerate a bit of drought, but flowers better, and develops better color, if provided with a deep watering during periods of extended drought.
Care and Maintenance Pennisetum a. 'Desert Plains' is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Here is how to care for it:
- Watering: Water regularly until established, then only occasionally in dry conditions.
- Fertilizing: It does not require fertilizer, but if desired you can apply a small amount of all-purpose garden fertilizer in spring. Be sure to water it in thoroughly.
- Pruning: Cut back old foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges.
- Deadheading: Deadheading is not required.
Potential Uses Pennisetum a. 'Desert Plains' is a versatile plant that can be used in various ways in the landscape. It is welcomed in any garden style and can be used as a specimen plant, in groups, or en masse. Here are some design ideas:
- Specimen Plant: Its impressive size and attractive form make it a great choice as a specimen plant in a sunny border.
- Mass Plantings: Create a dramatic effect by planting 'Desert Plains' en masse, forming a sea of colorful foliage and plumes.
- Borders: Use it in borders to add height, texture, and contrast with other perennials.
- Containers: Its manageable size makes it suitable for container gardening, adding a vertical accent to patios and decks.
- Meadow Gardens: Combine with other native wildflowers and grasses for a naturalized look.
- Erosion Control: Its dense root system makes it a good choice for stabilizing slopes and preventing erosion.
It is ideal in beds and borders where it provides texture, color, and contrast, great in naturalistic prairies and meadows, and absolutely lovely beside ponds or streams where its graceful form is reflected in the water.
It can also be used as a vertical element in a large container to create a focal point in your garden.
The foliage and flowers can be left standing in winter to provide interest and cover for wildlife. It makes excellent cut flowers for fresh and dried arrangements.
Pennisetum a. 'Desert Plains' is a beautiful and versatile ornamental grass that is a great addition to any sunny garden. It is an improvement over older cultivars, with a superior habit, more prolific flowering, and stunning fall color. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant plant is a great choice for busy gardeners. With its attractive foliage, showy flower plumes, and adaptability to various growing conditions, 'Desert Plains' is incredibly versatile. Use it for erosion control, as a focal point in containers, or simply to add texture and movement to your garden. 'Desert Plains' is sure to be a favorite in your garden for years to come.
Twenty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3in deep x 2in wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
