Black Fountain Grass, Pennisetum

Black Fountain Grass Ornamental Grass Seed

Smoky purple-black plumes create striking garden contrast
Broad leaves form a lush two-foot fountain
Warm-season growth thrives in summer heat
Excellent centerpiece for containers and bold borders

See product details

Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Pennisetum alopecuroides var. viridescens

Days to maturity

120 Days

Sun

Full Sun

Packet

50 Seeds

Zones 5–9 Check your growing zone

About Black Fountain Grass, Ornamental Grass Seed, Ornamental Grass Seed

A gorgeous ornamental grass that has broader leaves and darker flower heads. Reaches a height of 24" so smaller than other similar species. In late summer graceful fountain-like smoky purple-black plumes emerge in profusion and contrast nicely with the slender arching, glossy, deep green foliage. Commonly referred to as Black Fountain Grass or Dwarf Purple Fountain Grass.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

1/16"

Days to Germination

10–21 days

Germination Type

A - No Pretreatment

In-row plant spacing

18-36"

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Perennial

Hardiness Zone

Zones 5-9

Plant Height

60 inches

Growth Habits

Clumping, Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

8,590

Color

Black, Purple

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Match the planting site to the ornamental grass species, favoring full sun and well-drained soil for most types. Remove perennial weeds thoroughly before sowing because they are difficult to separate later. Prepare a firm seedbed and use fresh seed without routine pretreatment unless the species requires otherwise.

Planting

Direct sow ornamental grass after the recommended seasonal or temperature requirement is met, or start seed indoors 6–8 weeks earlier for more controlled establishment. Keep the medium consistently moist until emergence and provide strong light afterward. Harden transplants gradually. Thin seedlings only where individual specimen plants are intended; mass plantings should follow the separate seeding-rate guidance.

Watering

Water ornamental grass regularly until established, then irrigate deeply only when the soil becomes dry. Avoid frequent shallow watering and saturated conditions, which encourage weak growth or root disease.

Fertilizer

Top-dress ornamental grass with compost or apply one balanced feeding in spring. Additional fertilizer is rarely needed unless growth is weak or a soil test identifies a deficiency.

Harvesting

Cut ornamental grass flowers when blooms are well colored and at the opening stage best suited to display. Harvest during the cool morning with clean shears, leaving healthy foliage for continued flowering.

Tips

Divide crowded ornamental grass clumps every few years to restore vigor. Deadhead for repeat bloom, or leave selected seed heads standing through winter to feed birds and provide structure.

Pests & Diseases

Rust, leaf spots, smuts, and crown rots vary among ornamental grass species. Identify the grass before diagnosing. Remove infected blades after dormancy, divide congested clumps, and avoid wetting foliage late in the day. Discard divisions with blackened crowns or abnormal seed heads rather than spreading them.

Watch ornamental grass buds and foliage for aphids, thrips, spider mites, Japanese beetles, slugs, and caterpillars. Look closely beneath leaves and inside buds, where early infestations are easiest to control without broad-spectrum products.