Dwarf Fountain Grass

Name: Dwarf Fountain Grass
Brand: Nature Hills Nursery
SKU: 23517
Price: 16.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'

Nature Hills Nursery

$16⁹⁹

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

Quart Container #1 Container #2 Container #3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in full sun for at least six to eight hours each day. While it tolerates light afternoon shade, less sun often results in floppy stems and fewer of those signature bottle-brush plumes.
Soil: This grass thrives in well-drained soil but is surprisingly adaptable to heavy clay or sandy spots. If you have heavy clay that stays soggy, mix in some organic compost or aged bark to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide about one inch of water per week to help the root system move deep into the soil. Once established, Dwarf Fountain Grass is quite drought-tolerant and only needs supplemental water during extended dry spells. Inconsistent watering during heat waves can lead to browned leaf tips and a stunted appearance.

Pruning Tips

Since this grass is a warm-season grower, it should be cut back in late winter or very early spring before new green blades emerge. Use sharp shears to cut the entire clump down to about three inches above the ground, which is like giving the plant a fresh start for the year. This removes the dead "old wood" foliage so the new growth isn't tangled in last year's brown debris.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in early spring as you see the first signs of green growth. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this forces tender new growth that can be easily damaged by the first frost. A single spring feeding provides all the energy the plant needs to produce a full canopy and late-season blooms.

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

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.

Easy-style ornamentals, the Hameln Dwarf Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln') is a fabulous accent in an easy-care landscape, try this compact grass for your landscape next time you are in need of a year-round garden accent! You'll love the graceful flower spikes and splashy foliage.

Narrow, arching leaves sway in the slightest breeze and truly grow a fountain-like appearance. Starting in mid-summer, bristly, buff-colored seedheads thrust up and out of the foliage. They'll shine and sparkle for you in sunlight, so be sure to use a few where the rays of the setting sun will touch them.

It's a great plant to use on the west side of a patio. The setting sun gilding the plants adds a wonderful display for you and your guests at the end of the day. Ornamental Grasses are gaining in popularity all over the United States, due to their undemanding nature and long-lasting, year-round beauty. There is nothing that adds such interesting forms, textures, and movement to a garden as grass.

The mature flowers last until winter freezes shatter the seed heads! The coppery russet fall foliage remains attractive throughout the winter, so wait until the spring to cut it back. Just watch as the pretty fountain of foliage turns bright green in early spring to welcome a new growing season. Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 5 through 9, these are very adaptable, small-scale Ornamental Grasses!

Planting and Application:

Use Hameln Dwarf Fountain in mass plantings, in large containers, or as an edging plant to soften the perimeter of a mixed shrub border. You'll get year-round easy care color without much maintenance to earn it! 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.

Dwarf Fountain Grass makes a great plant to use at moments of transition in your yard. It will soften the change from the front to the side yard, or from the patio to a path. It's also the perfect accent for any mixed perennial garden plantings. Establish a great perennial bed with Dwarf Fountain Grass along walkways, and paths, or as erosion control on a steep hillside. These are drought-tolerant enough to include in a Rock Garden!

You'll easily add a tremendous amount of texture to borders, foundation plantings or to fill open space in a mass planting. Plant 2 feet on center in a zig-zagging planting pattern to create a solid fill in a season or two. Measure from the center of one plant to the center of the next.

This is the ideal fill plant for commercial plantings because of its low maintenance requirements. It's tolerant of drought once established in your soil. Interestingly enough, Dwarf Fountain Grass will also tolerate wet conditions. Use it near water gardens or in Rain Gardens. Add it to dry or wet stream beds or around a pond.

Dwarf Fountain Grass is a perfect vertical element and thriller in containers. Add color and texture to a patio with containers repeating across the width or flanking on either side of a garden path. 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 this sophisticated, compact grass around the yard in containers.

Plant at least one in every garden bed. You'll tie your whole landscape design together. 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.

Deep-Green Splashy Foliage
Buff Colored, Seed Head Plumes
Dwarf Space-Saving Perennial Grass
Foliage Looks Like a Grassy Fountain
Coppery Fall Color & Year-Round Interest
Great Accent in Perennial Borders, Containers, Borders & Specimens

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Pretty Dwarf Fountain Grass isn't fussy about soil requirements. They are drought-tolerant as well as insect and disease-resistant. Use Dwarf Fountain Grass in urban environments without fear. Give it full sun and well-drained soils. If planted in partial shade, little or no flowering will occur, but the beautiful foliage color will be consistent.

Warm-season grasses may 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
Warm-Season Grass Variety
Widely Adaptable - Drought Tolerant
Well-Drained Soil - Avoid Over-Fertilizing
Easy to Grow & Maintain
Hardy Dwarf Perennial - Easy Care & Low Maintenance
Prune Down in Early Spring & Divide in Late Fall or Very Early Spring

Order enough Dwarf Fountain Grass to complete your entire project today! Don't miss out on our inventory of these expertly-grown grasses. Order Dwarf Fountain Grass from Nature Hills today!

This selection does not come true from seed, but self-seeding is only a problem in certain regions that provide ideal growing conditions. Don't worry, Nature Hills uses Plant Sentry™ to protect communities against any plant material that may be regulated in your area.

Botanical Name

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'
Class
- Poales
Species

alopecuroides
Cultivar

Hameln
Growing Zones

5-9
Height

1-2 ft
Width

1-2 ft
Sunlight
- Full sun
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Yellow
Leaf Color
- Green
- Brown
Fall Color

Coppery
Native

Yes
Fragrant

Yes
Bloom Period

Late Summer, Early Fall
Does Not Ship To

AK, AZ, HI, ID, MT, PR

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Growing Zones 5-9

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can fountain grass grow in shade?

Fountain grass performs best in full sun to partial shade, needing at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In too much shade, the plants become leggy with fewer flower plumes. Plant in zones 5-9 where it receives morning sun and afternoon light for optimal growth and those signature buff-colored seedheads.

Does dwarf fountain grass spread?

Hameln Dwarf Fountain Grass forms tidy clumps and doesn't spread aggressively like some ornamental grasses. This well-behaved perennial stays compact, making it perfect for edging and container plantings in zones 5-9. Shop at Nature Hills for reliable, non-invasive grass varieties.

Does Dwarf Fountain Grass grow well in my zone (e.g., zone 5)?

Hameln Dwarf Fountain Grass thrives in USDA zones 5-9, making it very adaptable across most temperate regions. This hardy perennial handles both cold winters and hot summers well. Check your specific zone and plant in spring for best establishment.

What are the full sun and soil requirements for planting Dwarf Fountain Grass?

Dwarf Fountain Grass thrives in full sun and adapts to most well-draining soils. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9, it tolerates various soil conditions once established. Plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flower production and foliage color.

How often should I water Dwarf Fountain Grass after planting and once established?

Water newly planted Dwarf Fountain Grass regularly for the first month to establish roots. Once established, this drought-tolerant perennial needs minimal watering except during extended dry spells. Let soil dry between waterings to prevent root rot.

When and how do I prune or cut back Dwarf Fountain Grass?

Cut back Dwarf Fountain Grass in early spring, not fall or winter. The coppery russet foliage provides attractive winter interest until new bright green growth emerges. Wait until you see new growth starting, then cut the entire plant back to 4-6 inches above ground level.

Is Dwarf Fountain Grass deer-resistant or rabbit-resistant?

Dwarf Fountain Grass is generally deer and rabbit resistant due to its tough, fibrous texture that these animals typically avoid. The coarse foliage and bristly seedheads make it an unappealing food source. Plant it as a natural deterrent around more vulnerable perennials in your landscape.

Can Dwarf Fountain Grass be grown in containers or pots?

Yes, Hameln Dwarf Fountain Grass grows excellently in large containers. This compact ornamental grass is well-suited for container growing in zones 5-9. Choose a substantial pot to accommodate its fountain-like growth habit and provide good drainage.

What is the warranty or guarantee if the Dwarf Fountain Grass dies after purchase?

Nature Hills offers a one-year warranty on perennials like Hameln Dwarf Fountain Grass when planted in appropriate conditions. This hardy grass thrives in zones 5-9 with minimal care once established. Contact customer service with photos if your plant fails within the warranty period.