What is Fountain Grass?
When designing a garden, many people think about planting flowers. What they may not realize is that there are many non-flowering plants that can lend just as much beauty to their landscape. One growing trend is the use of fountain grass. Part of the Pennisetum genus, fountain grass is just one of many types of ornamental grasses, grown primarily for its interesting foliage. Fountain grass, also known as Swamp Foxtail Grass, is a perennial bunch grass that originated in North Africa but was successfully introduced to the warmer regions of the United States. Fountain grass comes in a variety of colors. The ‘Rubrum’ is a purple species with bronze leaves and purple spikes. Another favorite is the Red Buttons Fountain Grass, characterized by its burgundy tinged foliage and red blooms. There is also Black Flowering Fountain Grass, which is distinguished by its dark green leaves, and black seed heads rimmed in purple. While it is indigenous to mild climates, fountain grasses can be grown su
