Pennisetum Cayenne™

Fountain Grass
$16.95 ea.
Order more to save! 3+ for $16.50 ea.
Minus icon Plus Icon
Ships Spring 2024 to
Ship to

Longest and Later Blooming
Longest and later blooming toasted-brown bottlebrush plumes rise just above rich-green arching blades beginning in mid-summer. Fountain grasses add a calming atmosphere as they sway with a summer breeze. P. Cayenne is a sterile introduction that does not self-sow. Pennisetum Cayenne is beautiful planted in sweeping masses or also shines as a specimen plant. Perfect for full-sun borders. The seed heads can be used as a lovely addition to fresh and dried flower arrangements. Developed by Wayne Hanna at the University of Georgia, it is the longest and latest flowering of his introductions.

On Wishlist

Add To Wishlist

Code PECY

Patent PP31,097 'TIFT PA18'

Plant Type Perennials, Grasses

Species alopecuroides

Height Tall 3 1/2-4' (4' in flower)

Spacing Plant 4' apart

Bloom Time Mid-Summer to Mid-Fall

Sun / Shade Full Sun to Mostly Sunny

Zones 5-9

Soil Type Normal, Sandy

Water Needs Low

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Features

  • Deer Resistant
  • Winter Interest

Planting Sites

  • For a Slope or Bank
  • Hot Dry Site Tolerant
  • Humidity Tolerant
  • OK in Containers

Pennisetum General Information

Pennisetum are prized for their arching multitude of bottle-brush seed plumes over tidy cascading foliage. Showy and easy to grow; they are lovely alone, in groups and in containers. The slightest breeze produces movement. Great for drying. Good for hot dry spots. Not prone to reseeding. Ornamental Grasses are restricted from Idaho and Oregon. Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

Pennisetum Plant Care

They prefer good drainage with full sun or light shade and will even grow in rocky or sandy soil as long as it remains fairly moist. Can be divided in spring when needed. Cut back in early spring leaving 3-5" of previous year's growth.

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% unconditional guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zone 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zone 8: Late March to Early April
  • Zone 9, 10: Late March

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October