Fountain Grass Cenchrus alopecuroides 'Hameln'
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Fountain Grass:
Previously known as:
- Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'
- Phonetic Spelling
- SEN-krus al-oh-pek-yur-OY-deez
- Description
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Fountain grass is an ornamental plant with a spreading, clumping habit. 'Hameln' is the more compact version of Cenchrus alopecuroides, with shorter flower spikes. Its bottle-brush shaped seed heads are attractive and will last into winter, giving your garden some winter interest. This plant is highly resistant to deer grazing. Its seeds are sterile.
Pollinated by the wind.
Can be grown as a container plant, providing the container is at least 3 gallon or larger.
It will grow best in full sun but will tolerate part shade. Growing in the shade may lead to less flowering.
Cut to the ground in late winter.
Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: No notable issues.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Cenchrus
- Species:
- alopecuroides
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Wildlife Value:
- Birds are attracted to this plant.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
- Habit/Form:
- Clumping
- Spreading
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Texture:
- Fine
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Occasionally Wet
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Spike
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Good Cut
- Good Dried
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Description:
- The flower spike resembles a bottle brush.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Gold/Yellow
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- The seed heads are very attractive, will last into winter.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Container
- Patio
- Pond
- Pool/Hardscape
- Slope/Bank
- Walkways
- Landscape Theme:
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Rain Garden
- Water Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Barrier
- Border
- Mass Planting
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Black Walnut
- Deer
- Drought
- Erosion
- Pollution
- Rabbits
- Wet Soil
