What soil does Oriental fountain grass grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Oriental fountain grass hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

When does Oriental fountain grass flower?

Flowering: June–October, pink, white.

How much water does Oriental fountain grass need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Oriental fountain grass cost?

It sells for roughly €6.70 to €11 in local shops, depending on size.

Oriental fountain grass

Pennisetum orientale

Oriental fountain grass (Pennisetum orientale) is an ornamental grass. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Sold in local shops from about €6.70.

Illustration of Oriental fountain grass — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A low, loosely arching grass that carries soft, pinkish white bottlebrush plumes from early summer into autumn, much earlier than most fountain grasses. Give it a warm, sunny spot and free-draining soil, because it resents cold, wet winters; spring planting is the safest so it can root in before winter. Leave the dry foliage on over winter and cut it back in spring once the frosts are over.

Watch out for

Winter hardiness is borderline in Central Europe: in dry, free-draining soil it comes through fairly cold winters, but in heavy, waterlogged ground it often dies in a cold, wet winter. Do not cut it back in autumn, the dry foliage protects the crown; mulch it in exposed sites. It starts into growth late in spring, so do not dig it out too early. In good conditions a few seedlings may appear around it.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 75 cm × 90 cm
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–October, pink, white

Group	Ornamental grass
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	75 cm × 90 cm
Ultimate size	0.4–1 m × 0.5–1.5 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–October, pink, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	60 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €6.70

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €6.70 – €11

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Plants for containers Ornamental grasses Plants for a Mediterranean garden Plants with autumn colour Ornamental grasses with autumn colour

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