Pennisetum, Fountain Grass
Pennisetumalopecuroides 'Red Head'

Family: Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Pennisetum (pen-ih-SEE-tum)
Species: alopecuroides (al-oh-pek-yur-OH-id-eez)
Cultivar: Red Head

Category
Ornamental Grasses and Bamboo

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage
Grown for foliage
Herbaceous

Foliage Color

Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
N/A

Bloom Color
Red
Maroon/Burgundy

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Summer

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Scarify seed before sowing

Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds