Pennisetum alpecuroides 'Hameln' Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides, commonly called fountain grass, is a warm season ornamental grass which typically grows in graceful, spreading clumps from 2-3' tall and as wide. Features narrow, medium to deep green leaves (to 1/2" wide) in summer, changing to golden yellow in fall and fading to beige in late fall. Foliage usually remains attractive throughout the winter. Showy, silvery to pinkish-white, bristly, bottle brush-like flower spikes arch outward from the clump in late summer like water spraying from a fountain (hence the common name). Flower spikes turn brownish as the seeds form, and spikes usually persist until late fall or early winter before shattering. 'Hameln' is similar to the species, except the flower spikes of this cultivar are shorter and the plants are more compact. Best in full sun.
Height: 1.50 to 2.50 feet
Spread: 1.50 to 2.50 feet
Bloom Time: August to October
Bloom Description: Pinkish white
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium to wet
Suggested Use: Ground Cover, Rain Garden
Flower: Showy, Good Cut, Good Dried
Leaf: Colorful, Good Fall
Attracts: Birds
Other: Winter Interest
Tolerate: Drought, Erosion, Wet Soil, Black Walnut, Air Pollution