- Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 36 48 Inches
- Mature Spread 36 48 Inches
- Growing Zones 5 - 8
Pennisetum alopecuroides Red Head, commonly known as Red Head Fountain Grass, is a graceful ornamental grass that fits into any garden style. It has narrow, arching green leaves that form a rounded form. The blooms are smoky-purple and have a bottlebrush shape. This grass blooms in mid to late summer, earlier than most warm-season grasses. The flowers turn buff as they dry and are excellent in cut-flower arrangements. In the fall, the leaves will take on golden and orange shades.
This grass forms a large mound that spreads to 2 – 3 feet wide. It is low maintenance and will develop drought tolerance. It is also pest, deer, and disease resistant. Red Head Fountain Grass is a versatile grass and looks exceptional in prairie, meadow, wildlife, and pollinator gardens. It can also be grown in containers for a unique porch or patio display.
Red Head Fountain Grass Care
Red Head performs best in full sun, but will tolerate part shade. It adapts easily to sand, clay, alkaline, and acidic soils. When planting, set crowns above the soil surface to prevent crown rot. This grass appreciates regular water over the summer and will develop drought tolerance over time. Fertilize in the spring with a general-purpose formula.
Cut this grass to the ground in late winter or early spring to make room for new growth. It has no special requirements for winter care.
Red Head Fountain Grass Spacing
When planting in groups, space these plants approximately 2 feet apart on center. This grass can also be grown in a large weather-proof container at least 20 inches in diameter with excellent drainage.
Red Head Fountain Grass Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Full Sun (At Least 3 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 36 48 Inches |
Mature Spread: 24 - 30 Inches |
Spacing: 24 - 30 Inches |
Habit: Mounded |
Flower Color(s): Pink |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: Mid To Late Summer |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance |
Brand: |
Common Name: Red Head Fountain Grass |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: PENNISETUM ALOPECUROIDES `RED HEAD` |
- SKU:
- 1231007961-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

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Arrival Guarantee
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Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.