Buy Pennisetum Fountain Grass Plants Online Australia
Pennisetum — Fountain Grass — is the ornamental grass that landscape designers reach for when they need movement, soft texture, and dramatic flower plumes in a single plant. The arching, fountain-like habit that gives the genus its common name is genuinely distinctive: rather than standing stiff and upright like most ornamental grasses, Pennisetum grows outward in an elegant, cascading arc, and the fluffy, bristle-covered flower plumes that emerge from late spring through to autumn catch every breath of breeze and glow in evening light with a warm, amber quality unlike any other garden plant.
Our collection of seven Pennisetum varieties spans the full range of what the genus offers in Australian garden contexts — from the deeply pigmented, near-black foliage of the Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass and the rich burgundy of Moulin Rouge, through the fine-textured, silvery-cream plumes of Nafray (bred specifically for Australian conditions), to the compact, neat clumps of Purple Lea PA400 with its dark foliage and distinctive bottlebrush-style spikes. Whether you are softening a border edge, creating a mass planting for textural contrast, filling a pot on a sunny balcony, or establishing a drought-tolerant feature in a dry garden, there is a Pennisetum variety in this collection suited to the purpose.
One important distinction within this collection: some varieties are warm-season grasses that die back to the ground in cooler months and reshoot in spring, while others are more evergreen in temperate Australian conditions. The winter die-back is not a sign of a problem — it is a natural part of the plant's growth cycle, and the late-winter hard prune (cutting back to 10–15cm above the ground) is the single most important care task for maintaining vigorous, floriferous growth in the following season. Plants that are not pruned back in late winter become increasingly woody, produce fewer flower plumes, and gradually lose their characteristic fountain form.
Please note: Pennisetum taxonomy has undergone significant revision since 2010. Following phylogenetic analysis, many species formerly classified as Pennisetum were reclassified into the genus Cenchrus. You may encounter both names in current botanical literature and nursery catalogues — Pennisetum setaceum and Cenchrus setaceus refer to the same plant. For Australian garden buyers, the common name 'Fountain Grass' or 'Foxtail Grass' and the Pennisetum label remain in widespread use despite the taxonomic update.
Our 7 Pennisetum varieties — expert descriptions
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Swamp Foxtail (setaceum) Pennisetum setaceum (syn. Cenchrus setaceus) Best for: Borders, mass planting — CHECK WEED STATUS FOR YOUR STATE Height: 0.75–1.5m Foliage: Green, arching Flower: Pink-purple plumes (summer–autumn) Key trait: ⚠ DECLARED WEED in NSW & QLD — verify before purchasing |
The original African Fountain Grass — a vigorous, clumping perennial grass growing to 0.75–1.5m with arching green foliage and attractive pink-to-purple feathery plumes from summer to autumn. Highly drought-tolerant and adaptable to a wide range of soil types and conditions. NOTE: Pennisetum setaceum is listed as a declared weed in NSW and Queensland. Buyers in these states and on the Eyre Peninsula in SA should check current state biosecurity regulations before purchasing. The green-foliaged straight species sets viable seed; the purple and red cultivars (Moulin Rouge, Dwarf Purple) are believed to be sterile. Our team recommends the alopecuroides or hybrid varieties (Nafray, Purple Lea) as the lower-risk alternatives in regulated states. |
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Swamp Foxtail (alopecuroides) Pennisetum alopecuroides Best for: Borders, mass planting, pots, cottage gardens Height: 60–90cm h x 60–90cm w Foliage: Fine green, arching Flower: Creamy-white to tan plumes (summer–autumn) Key trait: Lower-risk species — preferred garden choice |
A different and safer species than P. setaceum — Pennisetum alopecuroides is the Chinese Fountain Grass, native to East Asia and China, and is far less problematic in Australian conditions than setaceum. Growing to 60–90cm in a neat, dense clump with fine arching green foliage and creamy-white to soft tan flower plumes in summer through to autumn. It is the preferred Fountain Grass for Australian garden use as it is lower-seeding, less invasive, and produces the same graceful fountain form and ornamental plumes. Prune back hard to 10–15cm in late winter for vigorous spring regrowth. |
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Pennisetum advena 'Moulin Rouge' Best for: Colour accent, hot borders, feature pots Height: To 80cm h x 40cm w Foliage: Deep red-pink, arching Flower: Feathery pink-red (summer–autumn) Key trait: Sterile cultivar — striking deep red foliage |
One of the most dramatically coloured ornamental grasses available in Australia — Moulin Rouge produces deep red-pink foliage with matching feathery pink-red flower plumes that make it instantly eye-catching as a border specimen or container plant. Growing to around 80cm tall and 40cm wide in a compact, upright clump, it works beautifully as a bold colour accent in hot-coloured mixed borders or as a solo specimen in a dark-coloured pot where the foliage intensity can be fully appreciated. This purple/red cultivar is believed to be sterile and is generally not considered an invasive risk. $19.95. |
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Pennisetum setaceum (dwarf purple cultivar) Best for: Border edging, feature pots, colour accent Height: To 60cm h x 40cm w Foliage: Black-maroon, slender arching Flower: Maroon fading to beige-cream (summer–autumn) Key trait: Most dramatic foliage colour — sterile cultivar |
A compact, deeply coloured ornamental grass with slender, arching black-maroon leaves and distinctive flower spikes that emerge deep maroon and gradually fade to beige and cream tones with maroon highlights. Growing to around 60cm, this is the most characterful and 'exotic-looking' variety in our range — our team describes it as irresistibly decorative at the front of the border where the swaying flower spikes catch the eye at every angle. The purple-red coloured cultivar is believed to be sterile. $19.95. |
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Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Purple' Best for: Mixed borders, large pots, feature planting Height: To 1m h x 60cm w Foliage: Rich purple, arching Flower: Dark plumes (summer–autumn) Key trait: Safer alopecuroides species — rich purple form |
A rich purple-foliaged selection of the safer alopecuroides species — Purple Foxtail Grass grows to approximately 1m tall with rich purple-toned arching leaves and dark plumes from summer through to autumn. Its naturally upright, vase-shaped habit and warm purple colouration make it a distinctive feature grass for mixed borders, large pots, and contemporary garden designs. As an alopecuroides selection, it carries lower invasive risk than the setaceum purple cultivars. $19.95. |
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Purple Lea PA400 Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Purple Lea' PA400 PBR Best for: Borders, mass planting, rockeries Height: To 60cm h x 60cm w Foliage: Dark purple, fine texture Flower: Dark bottlebrush spikes (summer–autumn) Key trait: PBR protected — lowest invasive risk in range |
A PBR-protected (Plant Breeder's Rights) compact selection of Pennisetum alopecuroides, Purple Lea PA400 forms a neat, tidy clump of dark purple, fine-textured foliage reaching approximately 60cm in height and width. It is particularly striking from late summer to autumn when its distinctive bottlebrush-style dark flower spikes emerge, contrasting beautifully with the purple blades. Drought-tolerant once established. Suitable for full sun to part shade. As an alopecuroides cultivar, it is lower-risk than setaceum varieties. Minimum order of 3 plants in 14cm pots. $19.95. |
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Nafray PA300 Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Nafray' PA300 PBR Best for: Borders, mass planting, coastal gardens — safest choice Height: 60–90cm h x 60–90cm w Foliage: Fine green, arching Flower: Creamy-soft plumes (summer–autumn) Key trait: Bred for Australian conditions — lowest risk, highest performance |
Our team's top recommendation for Australian gardeners who want Pennisetum without the invasive species concerns — Nafray PA300 is a PBR-protected alopecuroides variety specifically bred and trialled for performance in Australian conditions. Growing to 60–90cm with fine, arching green foliage and soft, fluffy creamy plumes from summer to autumn, it is the most adaptable and reliably low-risk Pennisetum in our range. Highly drought-tolerant once established, suitable for coastal and urban landscapes. Resistant to pests and diseases. Minimum order of 3 plants in 14cm pots. $19.95. |
How to grow Pennisetum Fountain Grass in Australia — expert care guide
Pennisetum is one of the most straightforward ornamental grasses to grow in Australian conditions. The key care points are simple but important:
• Position: Full sun produces the best foliage colour intensity and the most abundant flower plume production. Pennisetum tolerates partial shade (up to half a day) but the foliage on purple and red varieties loses its intensity in lower light, and flower plume production reduces. Choose the sunniest available position.
• Soil: Pennisetum tolerates a wide range of soil types — sandy, loam, and moderately clay soils all work provided drainage is adequate. It does not tolerate waterlogged or persistently wet conditions. Enrich with compost at planting time. Soil pH of 5.5–7.0 is suitable. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant.
• Watering: Water regularly for the first 8–12 weeks after planting to establish roots. Once established, Pennisetum is genuinely drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplementary watering in most Australian temperate and warm temperate conditions. In pots, water when the top 3cm of potting mix is dry.
• The most important care task — late-winter hard prune: In late winter (July–August in southern Australia; August–September in cooler zones), cut all Pennisetum plants back hard to approximately 10–15cm above the ground. This is the single most important maintenance task. Plants that are not pruned back become increasingly woody at the base, produce progressively fewer flower plumes, lose their graceful fountain form, and may eventually die back from the centre. A hard prune in late winter triggers vigorous new spring growth and a full season of lush foliage and flower plumes.
• Fertilising: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring as new growth begins. This is all the feeding Pennisetum requires — do not over-fertilise, as excess nitrogen produces soft, floppy foliage at the expense of the erect fountain form and flower production.
• Division: Divide overcrowded Pennisetum clumps every 3–5 years in late winter or early spring, at the same time as the hard prune. Dig up the clump, split into sections with a sharp spade ensuring each section has roots and growing points, and replant immediately.
• Seed head management (for setaceum): For Pennisetum setaceum plants in regions where weed risk is a concern, remove all flower heads before they fully mature and set seed. This is important near bushland and waterways. The sterile cultivars (Moulin Rouge, Dwarf Purple) do not set viable seed and require no management of this kind.
Why buy Pennisetum from Online Plants?
• 30-day guarantee to grow on every plant
• Australia's first and largest online nursery — 20+ years ornamental grass delivery expertise
• 7 Pennisetum varieties covering all colour tones from green to near-black maroon
• Delivery to VIC, NSW, QLD, SA and ACT — metropolitan and regional areas
• No minimum order (note: Purple Lea PA400 and Nafray PA300 have a minimum of 3 plants in 14cm pots)
• Free garden design consultation — call 0428 110 584 or email store@onlineplants.com.au.
Frequently Asked Question - FAQs
What is Pennisetum Fountain Grass and how does it differ from other ornamental grasses?
Pennisetum is a genus of ornamental grasses in the family Poaceae, commonly known as Fountain Grass, Foxtail Grass, or Feather Grass. The name 'Fountain Grass' comes from the characteristic arching, outward-cascading growth habit that resembles a fountain of water. Unlike most ornamental grasses that grow upright, Pennisetum forms a graceful, outward-arching clump from which fluffy, bristle-covered flower plumes emerge on arching stems from summer to autumn. The flower plumes catch light and movement in a way that is distinctive to the genus. Most Pennisetum varieties are warm-season grasses that die back in winter (or become semi-dormant in cool conditions) and reshoot vigorously in spring after a hard prune.
Is Pennisetum fountain grass invasive or a weed in Australia?
This depends entirely on the species and cultivar. Pennisetum setaceum (African Fountain Grass) is a declared weed in New South Wales and Queensland, and is declared on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, where it is illegal to sell. It is considered invasive because the straight species produces viable seed that can spread into bushland and natural areas. However, the coloured cultivars of setaceum — including the purple and red forms sold as 'Rubrum', Dwarf Purple, and similar — are believed to be sterile (produce no viable seed) and are not declared as weeds. Pennisetum alopecuroides (Chinese Fountain Grass) and varieties such as Nafray PA300 and Purple Lea PA400 are different, lower-risk species with no declared weed status. If you are in NSW, QLD, or parts of SA, our team recommends choosing alopecuroides varieties or confirmed sterile cultivars.
Why does my Pennisetum look dead in winter?
Pennisetum is a warm-season grass and naturally dies back or becomes semi-dormant during winter — this is normal and not a sign of a problem. In cool temperate climates (Melbourne, ACT, highland NSW), the foliage will brown and collapse in winter. In warmer climates (Brisbane, coastal NSW, Adelaide), some varieties may remain partially green through winter. The key care task in late winter (July–August) is to cut the plant back hard to approximately 10–15cm above the ground. This removes the old, dead material and stimulates vigorous new growth from the base in spring. Do not panic if the plant looks completely dead in July — it will reshoot strongly from the base after pruning as temperatures warm in August and September.
When and how should I prune Pennisetum Fountain Grass?
The annual hard prune is the most important care task for Pennisetum. Timing: late winter — July to August in most of southern Australia; August to September in cooler high-altitude areas. Method: cut the entire plant back to approximately 10–15cm above the ground using hedge shears, secateurs, or even a battery-powered hedge trimmer for larger clumps. Remove all the cut material from the garden. The stubble will initially look somewhat stark, but within 4–6 weeks of warm spring temperatures, fresh new growth will emerge vigorously from the base. Do not prune in autumn or mid-winter — wait for late winter when the worst of the cold is passed. Plants pruned in late winter flower significantly more abundantly and maintain their fountain form far better than unpruned plants.
What is the difference between Pennisetum alopecuroides and Pennisetum setaceum?
These are two different species with important distinctions for Australian gardeners. Pennisetum setaceum (African Fountain Grass) is native to Africa and is a declared invasive weed in NSW, QLD, and parts of SA in its straight green-foliaged form. The coloured cultivars (red, purple) are generally sterile. Pennisetum alopecuroides (Chinese Fountain Grass) is native to East Asia and carries a lower invasive risk in Australia — it is not listed as a declared weed in any Australian state. Nafray PA300 and Purple Lea PA400 are alopecuroides selections, bred specifically for Australian conditions. For gardeners in NSW, QLD, and SA who want fountain grass without weed concerns, alopecuroides varieties are the recommended choice.