- 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:
- 1007961-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.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.