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Redhead Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Redhead'

Regular price $6074
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: Full sun is essential for the best performance. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure those deep red plumes develop their signature intensity and the foliage remains sturdy.
  • Soil: This grass thrives in loose, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. If you have heavy clay, mix in some compost at planting time to improve drainage and prevent the roots from sitting in soggy "cold feet" during winter.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide about an inch of water per week to help the root system reach deep into the soil. Once established, Redhead Fountain Grass is quite drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during heat waves can lead to smaller plumes and scorched leaf tips. Think of deep, occasional soakings as the best way to maintain that lush, fountain-like habit.

Pruning Tips

This grass is a "new wood" bloomer, meaning it grows fresh stems each spring. In late winter or very early spring before green blades appear, cut the entire clump back to about 3 to 5 inches above the ground. This "haircut" clears out the old, tan debris so the new growth has plenty of light and space to emerge without getting tangled in last year's straw.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring just as the first green shoots emerge. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because they stimulate soft, lush growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late-season surge makes the plant more vulnerable to winter damage and can lead to floppy stems that won't stand up to snow.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6 Week of March 2nd
Zone 7 Week of February 23rd
Zone 8-12 Week of February 15th


Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 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

Long-lasting, the Redhead Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Redhead') makes the argument that maybe it's redheads who have more fun. This delightful and dramatic warm-season Ornamental Grass is extravagantly playful and pretty! These majestic plumes appear in mid to late summer long before other grasses send up their flowers.

Unlike some other Grasses, this one produces 5-inch long soft plumes that tickle the air as they bob and sway in the wind. These plumes truly draw attention with their red-violet coloration. And the fun of these puffy, fluffy plumes lasts into summer and fall. In fact, these dynamic plumes transform from their deep reddish-purple to an ethereal silver in fall and remain present through winter!

While these showy plumes give you a lot to write home about, the foliage and form of Redhead Fountain Grass are also quite remarkable. This grass has fine-textured foliage with a lovely yellow-green hue that turns golden as the winter weather arrives. And the Redhead Fountain Grass's form exemplifies that classic fountain form and keeps this form throughout its life. Its narrow leaves shoot toward the sky and then gracefully arch toward the ground.

Planting and Application:

This eye-catching plant is so easy to grow. There are few gardens that can't use at least one of these dramatic little charmers. Use your Redhead Fountain Grass as a back border or a thriller accent. Its medium green foliage and unique plumes make it a great specimen deserving of attention. You'll love the motion they lend a Rock Garden. With a rounded, breezy, natural appeal, it will catch your eye for a long beat and visually bring texture, form, and color to your landscape year-round.

Try lining a staircase with a series of containers. Try a single plant to smaller containers to spill around the base of larger potted plants. Try using this sophisticated, compact grass around seating areas in containers or on front porches in the sun. You'll get year-round easy care color without much maintenance to earn it!

  • Early-Flowering, Dramatic Plumes - Ravishing Mauve Coloration
  • Soft Fountain-Like Bright Green Foliage
  • Dense-Clumping Fountain Form
  • Great Winter Interest
  • Great Accent in Perennial Borders, Containers, Borders & Specimens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

This fast-growing grass thrives in heat, drought, humidity, and intense sun. It's easy to grow and deer resistant. Just provide your Redhead Fountain Grass with full sun and water it deeply as it becomes established. Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 5 through 9, these are very adaptable, small-scale Ornamental Grasses!

Warm-season grasses green up later in the spring, but really shine once the hot, dry summer weather kicks in! Mulch with 3-4 inches deep around the plants will also help to keep the roots cool in the hotter summer locations. Prune down to 4-6 inches in early spring before you see new growth, and rake out the clump to remove dead debris and leaves.

  • Full Sun
  • Widely Adaptable - Drought Tolerant
  • Well-Drained Soil - Avoid Over-Fertilizing
  • Hardy Dwarf Perennial Warm-Season Grass
  • Easy Care & Low Maintenance
  • Prune Down in Early Spring
  • Deer Resistant & Drought-Tolerant

Don't settle for boring, monotone, or prickly. Redhead Fountain Grass will bring fun, color, and excitement to your spring, summer, fall, and winter! Don't wait, order yours now at NatureHills.com!

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