| Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Desert Plains' | USDA Zone: 5-9 |
Prairie Winds® Desert Plains Fountain Grass has masses of beautiful plumes of purple flowers with violet overtones rising above the foliage from mid to late summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The tan seed heads are carried on showy plumes displayed in abundance in mid fall. Its grassy leaves are green in colour. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous gold in the fall.
Fine textured bright green foliage changes to a golden tan in fall; blooms are large smokey-purple bottlebrush plumes that persist until winter; beautiful as an accent or massed in borders or rock garden.
Desert Plains Fountain Grass is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Accent
- Mass Planting
- Rock/Alpine Gardens
- General Garden Use
- Container Planting
PRAIRIE WINDS® Collection
Foliage Interest
Winter Interest
Low Maintenance
Deer Resistant
Companion Plants: Blanket Flower, Tickseed, Yarrow, Sedum, Salvia, Juniper
Common Name: Fountain Grass, Ornamental Grass
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Key Feature
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| More About Prairie Winds® Desert Plains Fountain Grass |
| Height: 3-4 ft |
Spread: 4 ft |
Flower Colour: Pink / Purple / Tan Shades |
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Desert Plains Fountain Grass should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Fountain Grass is one of the most popular grasses. This selection forms an upright mound of arching green leaves, bearing bottlebrush spikes of silvery-white flowers that turn to buff or tan as they dry. Most effective when mass planted, but also useful as a specimen accent in the garden or in containers. Flowers are excellent for cutting, fresh or dried. Plants usually remain attractive well into the winter, the leaves turning bright golden-yellow in the fall. Warm Season Grasses: These grasses are much slower starting in the spring. They do not push new growth until temperatures warm in early to midsummer. They flower later in the summer or fall with most blooms remaining into the winter. Most warm season grasses tolerate heat, humidity and drought; some even thrive in these conditions. Desert Plains Fountain Grass is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its height, it is often used as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden. Be aware that in our climate, most plants cannot be expected to survive the winter if left in containers outdoors, and this plant is no exception. NOTE: Some flowers and plants may be harmful or poisonous to people or pets if touched or ingested. If you require more information before placing an order, please let us know in advance. |
