With so many different varieties to choose from, fountain grass (Pennisetum) is a total game-changer for home landscaping. It’s not just about those iconic fuzzy plumes; these grasses vary wildly in height, giving you endless ways to get creative in your garden depending on your personal style.
How Big Does Fountain Grass Actually Get?
Globally, there are about 80 different species of fountain grass. Here in our gardens, you’ll usually see varieties ranging from a compact 12 inches to a towering 5 feet tall. Fun fact: this genus also includes heavy hitters like Elephant Grass and Pearl Millet, which can soar up to 15 feet in their native African habitats!
Dwarf Fountain Grass Varieties
If you’re short on space, varieties like ‘Little Bunny’ or ‘JS Jommenik’ are your best friends. These little guys stay between 10 and 14 inches tall. Because they’re so petite, these dwarf varieties are perfect for container gardening—they’ll even be happy in a standard window box. They also look fantastic tucked into rock gardens or paired with smaller perennials.
Mid-Sized Fountain Grass
We consider fountain grass “mid-sized” when it hits that sweet spot up to 3 feet tall. You can still keep these in pots long-term, but you’ll need a container that holds at least 5 gallons; a window box just won’t cut it here. Some fan-favorite mid-sized varieties include:
- Hameln
- Moudry
- Fireworks
- National Arboretum
Because of their mounding growth habit, these varieties look like lush, rounded bushes that spread outward as they grow. If they start crowding their neighbors, you can easily manage their size by dividing the root ball in the spring.
Tall Fountain Grass Varieties
The big guys really shine when planted as “specimen plants” (stand-alone focal points) because they need plenty of elbow room. You’ll want to budget about 10 square feet of space per plant. That said, they also make a stunning, airy backdrop for a perennial bed. If you’re looking for height, check out these varieties:
- Paul’s Giant
- Federboa
- Karley Rose
- Compressum
- Hellsilber
