Karley Rose Fountain Grass

Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose'

Nature Hills Nursery

Pennisetum Karley Rose Blooms All Summer with Smoky Rose-Purple Plumes that Sway Gracefully
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 3-4 ft Tall
Showy Pink, Purple Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Rabbit Resistant

$75⁸³

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to achieve the most vibrant pink flower spikes. While Karley Rose can manage in partial shade, less sun often results in weaker stems and significantly fewer blooms.
Soil: This grass thrives in well drained soil and is adaptable to various types, including sandy or loamy spots. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in organic compost at planting time to improve drainage because constant "wet feet" can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

Water your new grass twice a week during its first growing season to ensure the root system becomes deep and resilient. Once it is fully established, Karley Rose is remarkably drought tolerant and generally only requires supplemental water during extreme heat waves. Inconsistent moisture during the establishment phase can cause the plant to stall and produce smaller, less impressive plumes.

Pruning Tips

Since this variety blooms on new growth, you should cut the entire plant back to about three or four inches above the ground in late winter or early spring. Think of this as a clean slate that removes the dead, tan foliage to make way for fresh green blades. Timing is important here, as you want to finish your pruning before the new green shoots begin to emerge from the center of the clump.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in the early spring just as you see the first signs of green growth. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer season because this can stimulate tender growth that will not have time to harden off before winter. Over-fertilizing can also lead to lush but weak foliage that causes the plant to flop over instead of maintaining its upright, fountain-like shape.

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	Drought resistant, Fast-growing, Flowering, Cold hardy
Hardiness Zone	6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	3-4 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Pink, Purple
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Grass
Botanical Name	Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose'
Species	orientale
Cultivar	Karley Rose
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, AZ, HI, ID, MT, PR

Karley Rose Fountain Grass (Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose') displays clouds of smoky rose-purple plumes which burst into color in June. New plumes are continuously displayed all summer long and gently sway in the slightest breeze.

The value of this long-lived and low-maintenance Fountain Grass comes from the varied colors and textures of the foliage as well as the striking pinkish-purple flower spikes. From earliest spring into the dead of winter, this grass offers an arresting display that complements flowering plants nearby while making an elegant statement on its own.

A cold-hardy replacement for Purple Fountain Grasses, Karley Rose tolerates USDA growing zones 5 to 9 as a perennial ornamental warm-season grass, but colder growing zones can enjoy this as a fast-growing annual accent too!

Planting and Application:

Karley Rose is a vigorous growing Ornamental Grass that looks spectacular when planted in masses! Shining in any sunny setting, this graceful flowing and arching perennial especially complements large combination planters! Planting in between perennials and shrubs is an excellent way to add a new dimension to the landscape!

Fantastic color throughout the sun garden as wonderful edging and fine-textured filler. Add pops of color to the Rock garden and in those hell strips along the roadside, add fringe along the driveway and pathways, and use a row or ring around a tree or sculpture as lovely facer plants! Plant Karley Rose on slopes and en masse as a colorful drift that helps slow erosion.

Smoky Purple Flowers All Summer
Variable Foliage Adds Texture & Color
Spiky Slender Green Foliage
Fast Growing & Winter Interest
Containers, Edging, Specimen Plantings & En Masse

#ProPlantTips for Care:

This plant thrives in full sun and very well-drained soil. Fountain Grass is a low moisture needs plant once established, Karley Rose is a good choice for busy gardeners because it requires little or no pruning, is resistant to most insects, and is drought-resistant as well! Clean the mounds in early spring. Warm-season grasses take their time to grow in the early spring but become vigorous once the temperatures are more to their liking.

Full Sun
Grows in Well-Drained Drier Soil
Average to Low Moisture Needs Once Established
Prune Early Spring
Very Low-Maintenance & Easy Care
Warm-Season Grass

Hurry and reserve your own Karley Rose Fountain Grass for lovely fine-textured grassy elements and easy-care ornamental perennials! Get quality landscaping plants delivered to your doorstep from Nature Hills Nursery!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is karley rose fountain grass invasive?

Karley Rose fountain grass is not invasive and is actually a cold-hardy alternative to potentially problematic Purple Fountain Grass varieties. This Pennisetum orientale cultivar is well-behaved in zones 5-9. Plant with confidence in mass plantings or use for erosion control on slopes.

What planting zones is Karley Rose Fountain Grass hardy in?

Karley Rose Fountain Grass is hardy in USDA zones 5-9 as a perennial. In colder zones, it works beautifully as a fast-growing annual. Shop at Nature Hills for this cold-hardy alternative to Purple Fountain Grass.

How tall and wide does Karley Rose Fountain Grass grow at maturity?

Karley Rose Fountain Grass typically reaches 2-3 feet tall and wide at maturity. This ornamental grass forms graceful, arching clumps with flowing foliage that creates an elegant mounded shape. Plant with adequate spacing to allow its natural form to develop fully.

What type of soil does Karley Rose Fountain Grass prefer?

Karley Rose Fountain Grass thrives in very well-drained soil and full sun conditions. This low-maintenance perennial tolerates poor soils once established and actually prefers drier conditions. Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils that can cause root rot.

Is this ornamental grass deer resistant?

Karley Rose Fountain Grass is generally deer resistant due to its tough, spiky texture that deer typically avoid. Most ornamental grasses, including this Pennisetum variety, are naturally unappealing to deer. For best results in deer-prone areas, plant in masses for greater impact and shop at Nature Hills for healthy specimens.

Can you ship Karley Rose Fountain Grass to my location safely?

Karley Rose Fountain Grass ships well as a hardy perennial in USDA zones 5-9. This resilient ornamental grass tolerates shipping stress better than most plants due to its low-maintenance nature. Check your zip code at checkout to confirm delivery availability in your area.

Should I cut back Karley Rose Fountain Grass in fall or spring?

Cut back Karley Rose Fountain Grass in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This ornamental grass provides winter interest through the cold months in zones 5-9, so leave the plumes and foliage standing through winter. Cut back to 4-6 inches above ground level in March.

Karley Rose Fountain Grass

Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose'