Fountain grass and Ribbon grass are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, container). 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…
Phalaris arundinacea 1 m × 2 m after 10 years
Gardens grow its white-striped forms: they make a fresh, bright patch, live in almost any soil from shallow water to dry sand, and quickly knit into a…
Ribbon grass: We do not recommend it for most Central European gardens.
Ribbon grass is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -23 °C for Fountain grass.
Fountain grass needs less care than Ribbon grass.
Fountain grass is cheaper: about €6.30 at the size usually planted, against about €9.10 for Ribbon grass.
|
Feature
|
Fountain grass
|
Ribbon grass
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Ornamental grass | Ornamental grass |
| Size after 10 years | 90 cm × 90 cm | 1 m × 2 m |
| Ultimate size | 0.3–1.5 m × 0.4–1.5 m | 0.6–1.5 m × 0.6–2.4 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic |
| Hardiness | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | July–October, white, pink, purple | June–July, white, pink |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Medium | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | High |
| Planting distance | 70 cm | 50 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. €9.10 |
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
Besides the cookies the site needs to work, we would like to use analytics and advertising cookies (Google, Facebook), if you allow it. Details