Etouffee™ Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Etouffee'

WorryFree®

Compact Clumping Form Stays Neat Without Spreading Like Weedy Fountain Grass Varieties
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Salt Tolerant
Great Choice for Mass Planting in Cutting Gardens

$56¹⁰

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This grass thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6 hours of direct light daily. While it can handle light afternoon shade, the deep purple foliage color and the abundance of bottle-brush plumes will be much more vibrant with maximum sun exposure.
Soil: It prefers well-drained soil that doesn't stay soggy, as "wet feet" can lead to root rot. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost to improve drainage, or plant it in a slight mound to keep the crown above the water line.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Etouffee™ Fountain Grass twice a week to help the roots dive deep into the soil. Once established, this variety is quite drought-tolerant and usually only needs a supplemental soak during long periods of extreme heat. If the plant gets too dry for too long, you might notice the foliage tips browning or fewer plumes developing later in the summer.

Pruning Tips

This grass is a "cut back" plant that should be pruned in late winter or very early spring before new green shoots emerge from the center. Use sharp shears to cut the entire clump down to about 4 or 5 inches above the ground. This "haircut" clears out the dead material from the previous year, making room for fresh growth and preventing the center of the plant from becoming cluttered or rotting.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring as you see the first signs of new growth. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this can force tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. A single spring feeding is generally all this efficient grower needs to produce its signature smoky-colored plumes.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Slopes/Erosion Control, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2-3 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact, Spreading, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Yellow
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Grass
Botanical Name	Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Etouffee'
Species	alopecuroides
Cultivar	Etouffee
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, AZ, HI, ID, MT, PR

Etouffee™ Fountain Grass - Soft, Flowing Beauty!

Beautiful symmetrical fountains, the Etouffee™ Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Etouffee') is a graceful, ornamental perennial Pennisetum grass known for its soft, feathery plumes and elegant, arching foliage. This low-maintenance perennial adds texture, movement, and year-round interest to gardens while requiring minimal care.

Etouffee™ blooms in late summer to early fall, producing plump, smoky-pink flower spikes that gradually fade to a soft tan, persisting through winter for added seasonal appeal. With its compact, mounding habit, it's perfect for borders, mass plantings, and containers. Drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and easy to grow, this versatile ornamental grass thrives in a variety of landscapes.

Key Features of Etouffee™ Fountain Grass

Graceful, arching foliage with a soft, flowing appearance.
Plump, smoky-pink flower plumes emerge in late summer.
Compact, mounding habit, growing 2-3 feet tall and wide.
Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, perfect for low-maintenance gardens.
Hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, adapting to a variety of conditions.
Low-maintenance and easy to grow, thriving in full sun.
Provides winter interest with seed heads that persist into the colder months.

How To Use Etouffee™ Fountain Grass in the Landscape

Ornamental grasses are super easy to include in any style landscape!

Borders & Mixed Plantings

Add to perennial borders for soft texture and contrast.
Pair with coneflowers, sedum, or black-eyed Susans for a natural look.

Mass Plantings & Erosion Control

Plant in large drifts for a dramatic, flowing effect.
Use on slopes or hillsides to help prevent soil erosion.

Containers & Small Spaces

Compact size makes it perfect for containers on patios or balconies.
Pair with ornamental sedges or flowering perennials for a dynamic display.

Winter Interest & Wildlife Gardens

Leave seed heads standing for winter texture and visual appeal.
Attracts birds, who enjoy the seed heads in the colder months.

Caring For Etouffee™ Pennisetum

Plant these versatile grasses in a wide range of conditions in your landscape!

Sun & Soil Requirements

Thrives in full sun but tolerates light shade.
Prefers well-drained soil but adapts to a variety of conditions.

Watering & Mulching

Drought-tolerant once established, requiring minimal watering.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pruning & Maintenance

Cut back to 6 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
There is minimal maintenance required throughout the growing season!

Fertilizing

Generally does not require fertilization, but a light application of slow-release fertilizer in spring can enhance growth.

Order Etouffee™ Fountain Grass Today!

Bring graceful movement and effortless elegance to your garden with Etouffee™ Fountain Grass. Its soft plumes, drought tolerance, and compact size make it a must-have for any landscape.

Order now from Nature Hills Online Plant Nursery, and enjoy seasonal beauty year after year!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Etouffee™ Fountain Grass hardy in zone 5 winters?

Yes, Etouffee™ Fountain Grass is hardy in USDA Zone 5 and will reliably return each spring. This perennial ornamental grass thrives in zones 5-9, tolerating cold winters while providing year-round interest. Leave the seed heads standing through winter for added texture, then cut back in early spring.

What are the planting instructions for Etouffee™ Fountain Grass, including sun and soil needs?

Plant Etouffee™ Fountain Grass in full sun and well-draining soil in USDA zones 5-9. This drought-tolerant perennial reaches 2-3 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for borders or containers. Space plants 2-3 feet apart and water regularly the first season. Shop at Nature Hills for best results.

Is Etouffee™ Fountain Grass non-invasive and sterile, or will it reseed?

Etouffee™ Fountain Grass is a sterile, non-invasive cultivar that won't spread aggressively through your garden. This reliable Pennisetum variety produces attractive seed heads for winter interest without creating unwanted seedlings. You can plant with confidence in borders and mass plantings without worrying about containment.

What is the mature size and spread of Etouffee™ Fountain Grass in pots versus in-ground?

Etouffee™ Fountain Grass reaches 2-3 feet tall and wide at maturity in both containers and in-ground plantings. Container growth may be slightly more compact due to root restriction. Choose pots at least 18 inches wide to accommodate its full spread and mounding habit.

Will Etouffee™ Fountain Grass survive in partial shade, or does it need full sun?

Etouffee™ Fountain Grass performs best in full sun for optimal flowering and compact growth. While it may tolerate light partial shade, you'll see fewer of those gorgeous smoky-pink plumes and potentially looser foliage. For the fullest display in zones 5-9, choose a sunny spot when you shop at Nature Hills.

What are the care requirements for Etouffee™ Fountain Grass in humid climates to avoid fungal issues?

Etouffee™ Fountain Grass is naturally resistant to fungal issues due to its drought-tolerant nature. In humid climates, ensure good air circulation by spacing plants 2-3 feet apart and plant in full sun. Avoid overhead watering and cut back in late winter to promote healthy new growth.

Etouffee™ Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Etouffee'