Fountain grass and Oriental fountain grass are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen, container, flowers). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Pennisetum alopecuroides 90 cm × 90 cm after 10 years
An ornamental grass forming a hemispherical, arching clump that carries soft bottlebrush plumes from late summer into autumn and turns golden yellow…
Pennisetum orientale 75 cm × 90 cm after 10 years
A low, loosely arching grass that carries soft, pinkish white bottlebrush plumes from early summer into autumn, much earlier than most fountain…
Oriental fountain grass tolerates drought better than Fountain grass.
Fountain grass is cheaper: about €6.30 at the size usually planted, against about €9 for Oriental fountain grass.
|
Feature
|
Fountain grass
|
Oriental fountain grass
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Ornamental grass | Ornamental grass |
| Size after 10 years | 90 cm × 90 cm | 75 cm × 90 cm |
| Ultimate size | 0.3–1.5 m × 0.4–1.5 m | 0.4–1 m × 0.5–1.5 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | July–October, white, pink, purple | June–October, pink, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | High |
| Maintenance | Low | Low |
| Planting distance | 70 cm | 60 cm |
| For dogs | Non-toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For cats | Non-toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For children | Non-toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| Typical price | approx. €6.30 | approx. €9 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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