Pennisetum alopecuroïdes National Arboretum - Chinese Fountain Grass

The Pennisetum alopecuroides 'National Arboretum', also known as Fountain Grass, is a late-flowering perennial grass that is generously abundant. The vigorous plant forms a beautiful fountain of dark green, shiny, and flexible leaves. Its inflorescences have a characteristic shape and are similar to particularly thick and dark silky foxtails, initially purple-violet and maturing to a more pinkish hue. They appear in late summer, in large numbers, well above and around a mass of foliage that turns golden yellow at the end of the season. Easy to grow and not demanding, it is a drought-resistant variety once well-established and is magnificent as ground cover.

Pennisetum alopecuroides is a grass that grows in Northeast Asia and Australia. It's part of the Poaceae family. The National Arboretum Fountain Grass, from which it originates, has leaves and spikes that cascade beautifully. It grows up to 60 cm (24in) tall and wide. The leaves at the base are flat and wider than those of other grass species. They have a shiny dark green colour that looks beautiful. In late summer, flowering culms appear, bearing flower heads from September to October-November. The flower heads consist of silky spikelets gathered in thick, arching foxtails. They're 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) long and change colour from violet-purple to black in summer to beige-pink in October. The leaves turn bright yellow in the autumn. The plant looks pretty all through winter as frost covers its beige foliage.

This type of grass is delicate and complements other plants with a stiffer structure, such as dahlias, red hot pokers, or Russian sages. It can add grace to any landscape and is perfect for planting in large numbers to cover sloping ground or border pathways. Pennisetum alopecuroides are great for adding movement to flower beds. It can be placed strategically between the stones of a rock garden or above a wall for added effect. These grasses look their best in low light and can highlight all perspectives, even in small gardens. When used in a flower meadow or pathway, you can feel the silky texture of their foxtails. Pennisetum also has a dense root system that helps prevent erosion.