Growing guide · Grasses

Pennisetum alopecuroides

How to grow Fountain Grass 'Hameln'.

Soft bottlebrushes on a tidy fountain.

Light
Full sun, part sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
5–9
Size
18–30 in. tall and wide
Spacing
2 ft apart.
Pets
Not on the ASPCA pet-safe list; keep it out of reach
Compact arching clump of fine green grass with soft cream bottlebrush plumes

Light

Full sun for the most plumes; it tolerates light shade.

Water

Water weekly the first summer; established clumps handle dry spells.

Planting and soil

Plant in spring or early summer, crown at soil level.

Feeding

None, or a little compost in spring.

Pruning

Cut to 4–6 in. in late winter before new growth.

Through the year

Slow to start in spring. Plumes August to October, gold fall color, winter structure.

If something's off

It can self-sow in warm regions; cut plumes before they shatter if that's a problem. Wet winter soil can rot the crown.

Plays well with

Plant it with friends.

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Why we stock it: A compact fountain grass that fits small beds and still brings movement.

That's everything we know about growing it. Thanks for reading.

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Kits with Fountain Grass 'Hameln'.

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