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Jambalaya Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Jambalaya'

Regular price $5703
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Plant Sentry™

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Delivery and Shipping

Delivery and Shipping

Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
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

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

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

Specifications

  • Botanical Name
    Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Jambalaya'
  • Height
    3-4 ft
  • Width
    3-4 ft
  • Growing Zones
    5-9
  • Sunlight
    • Full sun
  • Growth Rate
    Moderate
  • Leaf Color
    • Green
    • Brown
  • Bloom Period
    Late Summer, Early Fall
  • Does Not Ship To
    AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, WA

Planting & Care Instructions

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.

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!

Frequently Asked Questions About Jambalaya™ Fountain Grass

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

When does Jambalaya™ Fountain Grass bloom?
It blooms in mid-to-late summer, producing soft, smoky-purple plumes that persist into winter.

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

Does Jambalaya™ Fountain Grass attract wildlife?
Yes! Birds love the seed heads, making them a great addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

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

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

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