Etouffee™ Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Etouffee'

$56¹⁰

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Plant Size

#2 Container

Product variants

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Slopes/Erosion Control, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, and Container Friendly

Specifications

Botanical Name

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Etouffee'
Height

2-3 ft
Width

2-3 ft
Growing Zones

5-9
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Leaf Color
- Green
Bloom Period

Late Summer, Early Fall
Does Not Ship To

AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA

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.

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.

>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions

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!

Frequently Asked Questions About Etouffee™ Fountain Grass

How tall does Etouffee™ Fountain Grass grow?
Etouffee™ grows 2-3 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for borders, mass plantings, and containers.

When does Etouffee™ Fountain Grass bloom?
It blooms in late summer to early fall, producing soft, smoky-pink flower spikes.

Is Etouffee™ Fountain Grass drought-tolerant?
Yes! Once established, Etouffee™ is highly drought-tolerant, making it ideal for low-water landscapes.

Does Etouffee™ Fountain Grass attract wildlife?
Yes! Birds enjoy the seed heads in winter, making it a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

How do I prune Etouffee™ Fountain Grass?
Cut back to about 6 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Is Etouffee™ Fountain Grass deer-resistant?
Yes! Etouffee™ is naturally deer-resistant, making it a great choice for areas with high deer activity.

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Etouffee™ Fountain Grass

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