Jambalaya Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Jambalaya'

Nature Hills Nursery

Compact Fountain Grass with Silvery Pink Plumes that Persist Through Winter
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 3-4 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Salt Tolerant
Excellent Mass Planting in Cutting Gardens

$57⁰³

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#2 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Full sun is essential for this grass to thrive. Aim for at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight to maintain the deep purple foliage color and ensure heavy production of the fuzzy, tan plumes.
Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil and is highly adaptable to various soil types. For heavy clay, mix in some organic compost at planting time to improve drainage, as "wet feet" during the winter can lead to root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Jambalaya Fountain Grass twice a week to help the roots dive deep into the soil. Once the plant is established, it is remarkably drought tolerant and can usually rely on natural rainfall. If you experience a prolonged dry spell, give it a deep soak to prevent the leaf tips from turning brown and to keep the blooms looking fresh.

Pruning Tips

This ornamental grass is a "cut back" plant that should be handled in late winter or very early spring before new green shoots appear. Use hedge shears to cut the entire clump down to about three or four inches above the ground. Think of this like a reset button that clears out the dead debris so the new growth has plenty of sunlight and space to emerge clean and vibrant.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in early spring as the plant wakes up from dormancy. 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 application in spring provides all the fuel necessary for a full season of color.

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	Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Slopes/Erosion Control, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	3-4 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	Low
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Compact, Spreading, Upright
Plant Life Cycle	Perennial
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Yellow
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Grass
Botanical Name	Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Jambalaya'
Species	alopecuroides
Cultivar	Jambalaya
Class	Poales
Does Not Ship To	AK, AZ, HI, ID, MT, PR

Jambalaya™ Fountain Grass: Bold & Compact!

Spikey fountains smothered in silvery pink bottlebrush plumes, the Jambalaya™ Fountain Grass PP#31176 (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Jambalaya') is a compact, fast-growing Ornamental Grass that delivers rich color, fine texture, and graceful movement to any garden. With dense, arching green foliage that turns golden-bronze in fall, this low-maintenance beauty provides season-long interest.

From mid-to-late summer, Jambalaya™ Pennisetum grass produces abundant, fluffy, smoky, silvery pinkish-purple plumes that persist through winter, offering year-round texture and wildlife appeal. Its drought tolerance, deer resistance, and adaptability make it an ideal choice for borders, mass plantings, containers, and erosion control.

Key Features of Jambalaya™ Fountain Grass

Compact, mounding growth, reaching 2-3 feet tall and wide.
Fine-textured, arching green foliage turns golden-bronze in fall.
Soft, smoky-purple flower plumes in summer, fading to tan in winter.
Drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, perfect for low-maintenance landscapes.
Hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, thriving in various soil conditions.
Provides year-round interest, with persistent seed heads and winter beauty.
Ideal for erosion control, coastal gardens, and urban landscapes.

How to Use Jambalaya™ Fountain Grass in the Landscape

Borders & Mixed Plantings

Pair with Coneflowers, Daisies, and other sun-garden perennials for stunning contrast.
Use in perennial borders for texture and movement.
Plant along walkways or patios for a soft, natural border.

Mass Plantings & Erosion Control

Plant in large drifts for a dramatic, flowing effect.
Use on slopes or hillsides to stabilize soil and prevent soil erosion.

Containers & Small Spaces

The compact size and symmetrical form make it ideal for patio pots and container gardens.
Pair with colorful fall-blooming perennials for seasonal displays.

Winter Interest & Wildlife Gardens

Leave plumes standing for winter beauty and bird habitat.
Great for naturalized plantings and prairie-style gardens.

Caring For Jambalaya™ Fountain Grass

Ornamental grasses are very easy to include in any style landscape!

Sun & Soil Requirements

Thrives in full sun but tolerates light shade.
Prefers well-drained soil but adapts to clay, loamy, and sandy soils.

Watering & Mulching

Drought-tolerant once established, but water regularly in the first year.
Apply a 3-4 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.
Low-maintenance and requires minimal care throughout the year.

Fertilizing

Generally does not require fertilization, but a light application of slow-release fertilizer in spring can boost growth.

Order Jambalaya™ Fountain Grass Today!

Bring graceful movement and effortless beauty to your garden with Jambalaya™ Fountain Grass. Its rich color, compact size, and easy-care nature make it a must-have for any landscape.

Order now from Nature Hills Online Plant Nursery, and enjoy seasonal beauty year after year!

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the planting zone requirements for Jambalaya Fountain Grass in colder climates?

Jambalaya Fountain Grass is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, making it suitable for most temperate climates. In Zone 5, plant in spring after the last frost and consider mulching around the base for extra winter protection.

Does Jambalaya Fountain Grass survive winter in zone 5?

Jambalaya Fountain Grass is hardy in USDA Zone 5 and will survive winter temperatures in that zone. The seed plumes provide attractive winter interest when left standing. For best results in Zone 5, plant in spring and mulch around the base before winter. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy plants.

How much sun does Jambalaya Fountain Grass need—full sun or partial shade?

Jambalaya Fountain Grass thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. While it can tolerate partial shade, full sun produces the most abundant silvery-pink plumes and best fall color. Plant in your sunniest spot for maximum performance.

Is Jambalaya Fountain Grass drought-tolerant once established?

Yes, Jambalaya Fountain Grass is drought-tolerant once established. This hardy perennial thrives in USDA Zones 5-9 and adapts to various soil conditions. Water regularly the first year to establish roots, then it will handle dry periods well.

When does Jambalaya Fountain Grass bloom, and how long do the plumes last?

Jambalaya Fountain Grass blooms from mid-to-late summer with silvery pinkish-purple plumes that persist through winter. The fluffy bottlebrush flowers fade to tan but hold their structure for year-round interest. Leave them standing for winter texture and wildlife appeal, available at naturehills.com.

Is Jambalaya Fountain Grass deer-resistant and low-maintenance?

Yes, Jambalaya Fountain Grass is both deer-resistant and drought-tolerant, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice. Hardy in zones 5-9, it requires minimal care once established. Simply plant in full sun and leave the silvery-pink plumes standing through winter for continued interest.

How is Jambalaya Fountain Grass shipped—bare root, potted, or plugs?

Jambalaya Fountain Grass ships as potted plants, not bare root or plugs. The established root system allows for planting throughout the growing season in zones 5-9. Plant in spring after frost danger passes for best establishment before winter.

Jambalaya Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Jambalaya'