Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head'
Overview
Uses: Borders, mass plantings, specimen, containers, cut flower gardens.
Benefits: One of the earliest-blooming fountain grasses, producing oversized smoky burgundy bottlebrush plumes from mid to late summer. Gracefully arching foliage creates a dense, fountain-shaped mound with strong four-season presence. Plumes are outstanding for fresh and dried arrangements.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
Sun: Full Sun
Life Cycle: Hardy Perennial
Growth Habit: Mounding, Arching — dense fountain of cascading leaves.
Bloom Color: Burgundy to Pink
Foliage Color: Green, turning golden yellow in fall
Mature Height: 3–4 feet
Mature Width: 2–3 feet
Bloom Season: Summer through fall
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Red Head Fountain Grass earns its name with massive, smoky burgundy plumes that emerge earlier in the season than most fountain grass selections. The bottlebrush-style flower spikes can reach up to ten inches long and three inches wide, arching outward from the foliage in a dramatic display that is especially striking when backlit by low sun.
Below the plumes, deep green ribbon-like leaves cascade into a dense, rounded mound that brings graceful movement and soft texture to any planting. As fall progresses, the foliage shifts to warm gold and the plumes fade to silvery tan, maintaining visual interest well into winter. The dried plumes hold their shape beautifully for indoor arrangements.
This warm-season grass is easy to maintain, deer resistant, and reliably drought tolerant once established. It performs equally well as a bold specimen at the center of a bed, planted in sweeping masses along a border, or grown in large containers on patios and terraces.
Care
Red Head Fountain Grass Care
Plant Red Head Fountain Grass in full sun for the best flower production and the strongest upright-arching form. It tolerates light shade but will produce fewer plumes and may develop a looser habit. Well-drained soil is important — this grass performs well in average to dry conditions and does not tolerate waterlogged or poorly drained sites.
Water regularly during the first growing season to support root establishment. Once established, Red Head Fountain Grass is drought tolerant and needs supplemental water only during extended dry spells. Avoid heavy fertilization, which can produce weak, floppy growth. In lean soils, a light spring application of slow release fertilizer is adequate.
Cut the entire plant back to a few inches above the ground in late winter to early spring before new growth emerges. As a warm-season grass, it is one of the last plants to break dormancy in spring. Plant crowns slightly above ground level to reduce the risk of crown rot in wet winters.
Size
What Size is the Red Head Fountain Grass for Sale Online?
Our Red Head Fountain Grass ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Red Head Fountain Grass Grow?
Red Head Fountain Grass reaches 3 to 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide at maturity. The arching flower plumes may extend several inches above the leaf mound at peak bloom.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
This plant is commonly known as Red Head Fountain Grass and Chinese Fountain Grass. The species Pennisetum alopecuroides is also sold under the reclassified genus name Cenchrus alopecuroides.
What makes Red Head different from other fountain grasses?
Red Head blooms earlier than most fountain grass cultivars, typically beginning in mid to late summer rather than early fall. Its plumes are also significantly larger and darker in color than standard selections, creating a bolder visual impact. It was selected by Brent Horvath from seedlings of Pennisetum 'National Arboretum.'
Is Red Head Fountain Grass deer resistant?
Yes. Fountain grasses are generally left alone by deer, making Red Head a dependable choice for landscapes with browsing pressure. Browse our deer-resistant plants collection for more options.
Can Red Head Fountain Grass be grown in containers?
Red Head performs well in large containers and makes a dramatic patio focal point. Use a deep, well-drained pot and water more frequently than in-ground plantings. Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones. Explore our full selection of Ornamental Grasses for more container-friendly options.
