Gainesville Landscaping Plant of the Month: Fountain Grass

There aren't many plants that thrive almost anywhere but also add amazing texture to a Gainesville landscape - However the varieties of fountain grass that are planted in Gainesville lawns are precisely that. The graceful form of fountain grass goes with almost any Gainesville landscape. They are easy to grow and you'll want to plant them where you can for non-stop drama and good looks. by Breckon Land Design »
Botanical Genus: Pennisetum alopecuroides
Common Name: Fountain grass
Where it will grow: Zones 6 -9 -  Gainesville landscapes are in zone 8.
Water requirement: Normal
Light requirement: Sun to part shade
Mature Size: 2 1/2' - 5' tall depending on variety
Benefits and tolerances: Tolerates dry conditions and wet soil; prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade as well. 
Seasonal interest:Flowers are showy late summer into fall and will persist through winter in your Gainesville lawn
When to plant: Spring, summer or fall by Terrascapes Landscape Design »
Distinguishing habits. Curving stems spray out like a fountain which is the origin of the common name, making a great show of airy, soft flowers that contract nicely with most Gainesville landscape plants. Medium green mounds of foliage turn yellow and brown in the winter. by Paintbox Garden »
The photo above shows foutain grass with Sedum 'Autumn Joy' by Heffernan Landscape Design »
Smaller forms of fountain grass are great for small spaces where height and mass are a concern; here they've been planted in mass along the edges of the hardscape, making a clean, simplistic yet sophisticated landscape design.

Variety Shown in Photo: 'Little Piglet' by Milieu Design »
Landscape with it. The dwarf fountain grass 'Hameln' is effective when used as a low-facing plant in a mixed border with heleniums, purple salvia, and willow bluestar. Here it's been combined with tall feather reed grass to accent a stone wall. Both catch the late afternoon light in a delightful way and look especially good in October with chokeberry and Virginia sweetspire.

Use for erosion control on slopes to mitigate runoff. Fountain grass also makes a good choice for naturalistic meadows and sweeps where low maintenance is desired. by debora carl landscape design »
Nothing softens a Gainesville patio hardscape like cascading flowers and leaves that dance with the wind. For something really effective, use red fountain grass and pair it with blue fescue in a full sun landscape.