Cayenne™ Sterile Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'TIFT PA18'

Nature Hills Nursery

Sterile Cayenne™ Variety Won't Self-Seed, Staying Contained in Prairie Winds Desert Plains Gardens
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 3-4 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Purple, Red Blooms From Late Summer to Early Fall
Deer Resistant, Salt Tolerant

$56²⁰

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Plant Size

#2 Container

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun to ensure those signature red plumes stay vibrant and upright. Partial shade is acceptable, but you will likely see fewer flowers and the foliage may stay more green than burgundy.
Soil: Choose a spot with well drained soil to keep the roots healthy through the winter months. If you have heavy clay, mix in some aged compost or fine wood chips to create better air pockets and prevent the roots from sitting in standing water.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water deeply twice a week to help the roots establish themselves in your local soil. Once mature, Cayenne is very drought tolerant, but inconsistent watering during a heatwave can cause the tips of the blades to turn brown and crispy. Providing a deep soak during dry spells keeps the foliage looking lush and prevents the plant from going dormant too early in the season.

Pruning Tips

Because this grass blooms on new growth, you should cut the entire clump down to about 4 inches above the soil in late winter or very early spring. This removes the old, tan foliage and clears the path for fresh blades to emerge without getting tangled in last year’s debris. Leaving the dried stalks up through the winter provides visual interest in the snow and acts like a natural blanket to protect the plant’s crown from extreme cold.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed your grass with a general purpose, slow release fertilizer once in early spring as the first green shoots appear. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers in late summer because this forces tender new growth that can be easily damaged by the coming winter frost. A light application is usually plenty, as over-fertilizing can lead to weak stems that flop over rather than standing tall.

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 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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

A fantastic new dwarf Fountain Grass that stays put where you plant it! The Cayenne™ Sterile Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'TIFT PA18') features sturdy stems and graceful rich-green arching blades! Summer complements this graceful fountain with burgundy-purple bottlebrush blooms!

Pennisetum are wonderfully easy to grow and hardy Ornamental grasses, vigorously growing into 3-4 feet tall and wide when in bloom. The calming Zen provided by softly rustling grasses, plus the mesmerizing swaying are lovely additions to your private spaces. Texture, motion, sound, and color to the landscape!

Oriental Fountain Grass creates tranquil, showy clumps that cascade beautifully despite heat, humidity, deer, and sun! Growing throughout USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, there is little that fazes these remarkably tough perennial grasses. Once cooler temperatures come around in the fall, you'll love the burgundy-brown seedheads and burgundy blushed foliage that remains for winter interest but won't self-seed into the wind!

Planting and Application:

Fantastic specimens as a stand-alone focal point, the motions and texture of Ornamental grass suit gardens of any size or style! Groupings, rows, or drifts en masse, the spicy Cayenne™ accentuates a functional landscape with flowing grace and easy hardiness! Great erosion control for slopes and hard-to-mow areas, and no troublesome self-seeding!

Naturalized and Prairie landscapes, Cottage and Perennial borders, and Rock gardens all gain intrigue as will your containers, planters, and cutting gardens! One of the longest and latest flowering grasses with four-season interest, you can't go wrong with an ornamental that takes care of itself!

Upright Fountains of Tidy Rich-Green Foliage
Long-Lasting Blooms in Burgundy-Brown
Arching Blades & Waving Seed Heads
Unique Cut Flowers & Container Interest
En Masse, Specimen, Erosion, Groupings & Containers

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Full sun to part shade locations works great for Fountain Grasses. Deer resistant, humidity and heat tolerant, they're adaptable to all well-drained soil types. Having moderate moisture requirements, just provide regular moisture until established, but after, these warm-season grasses are drought tolerant. These low-maintenance grasses need pruning in early spring to a few inches above the ground and division every 3-5 years to keep them neat, tidy and growing vigorously.

Full Sun Ornamental Grass
Moderate to Low Moisture Needs
Adaptive to a Variety of Soils
Easy Care & Low Maintenance
Deer Resistant Sterile Ornamental Grass

For a space-saving Ornamental grass that only grows where you plant it, get one that also has amazing tolerance and burgundy bottle-brush blooms! Add some spice to your landscape and order Cayenne™ Sterile Fountain Grass from Nature Hills today!

Botanical Name

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'TIFT PA18'
Class

Poales
Species

alopecuroides
Cultivar

TIFT PA18
Growing Zones

5-9
Height

3-4 ft
Width

3-4 ft
Sunlight

Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

Purple, Red
Leaf Color

Green
Fall Color

Blushes Burgundy
Bloom Period

Late Summer, Early Fall
Does Not Ship To

AK, AZ, HI, ID, MT, PR

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Cayenne™ Sterile Fountain Grass suitable for?

Cayenne™ Sterile Fountain Grass thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. This remarkably tough perennial handles various climates from cold northern regions to hot southern areas. Plant in full sun to part shade for best results.

How often should I water Cayenne™ Sterile Fountain Grass once established?

Once established, Cayenne™ Sterile Fountain Grass is remarkably drought tolerant and rarely needs supplemental watering. This tough perennial thrives in zones 5-9 with minimal care, handling heat and humidity with ease. Water only during extended dry periods, then let the soil dry between waterings for best results.

How fast does Cayenne™ Sterile Fountain Grass grow?

Cayenne™ Sterile Fountain Grass grows vigorously to reach its full mature size of 3-4 feet tall and wide within one growing season. This hardy perennial establishes quickly in zones 5-9, producing summer blooms followed by attractive fall seedheads. Plant in spring for best establishment.

Is Cayenne™ Sterile Fountain Grass deer resistant?

Yes, Cayenne™ Sterile Fountain Grass is deer resistant and thrives despite deer pressure. This hardy ornamental grass creates beautiful 3-4 foot clumps in zones 5-9 while remaining untouched by browsing deer. Plant it as a specimen or in groupings for reliable, low-maintenance color and texture.

What plants pair well with Cayenne™ Sterile Fountain Grass in landscaping?

Cayenne™ pairs beautifully with purple coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and sedums that complement its burgundy-purple blooms. The 3-4 foot clumps work well as backdrop plants for shorter perennials or as focal points among low shrubs. Shop companion plants at naturehills.com.

Does this fountain grass require fertilizer and if so, how often?

Fountain grass typically needs minimal fertilization once established, thriving in average to poor soils. For Cayenne™, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring if your soil is very poor. These hardy perennials in zones 5-9 are naturally low-maintenance and often perform better without heavy feeding.

Will Cayenne™ Sterile Fountain Grass spread or self-seed in my garden?

No, Cayenne™ Sterile Fountain Grass won't spread or self-seed in your garden. This sterile variety stays put where you plant it, eliminating the invasive seeding issues of traditional fountain grasses. Plant with confidence knowing it forms tidy 3-4 foot clumps without spreading.

Can Cayenne™ Sterile Fountain Grass be grown in containers or pots?

Yes, Cayenne™ Sterile Fountain Grass thrives in containers and planters. This dwarf variety grows 3-4 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for large pots in zones 5-9. Choose a container at least 18-24 inches wide to accommodate its mature size.