Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Moudry')
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Moudry' is showy Fountain grass known for dark purple, blackish brown flower spikes. Low maintenance, Zones 5-9.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’, a striking cultivar of Fountain grass, provides superb texture and contrast in the garden, particularly valued for its dramatic, dark flower plumes compared to other foxtail-like cultivars. This warm-season, clump-forming grass originates from East Asia, where it naturally inhabits grassy hillsides and meadows, making it adaptable to various soil conditions. Its fine, arching, medium-green summer foliage transitions nicely to golden hues in autumn, offering multi-season interest before its distinctive purplish-brown flower spikes appear from late summer into fall.
This low-maintenance ornamental grass offers significant aesthetic value, whether used as a specimen plant or integrated into mass plantings. While it prefers full sun for the best flowering performance, it reliably tolerates light shade, providing texture near water features or in rain garden installations. The robust nature of Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’ ensures it remains an attractive architectural element long after the growing season ends.
Gardeners appreciate the relative ease of care associated with Fountain grass, though it is important to remember that this specific named cultivar must be propagated by division to ensure true characteristics persist. For those seeking dependable structure and unique fall color, Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’ is an excellent choice for modern and traditional landscapes alike.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Poaceae
- Plant Type: Ornamental grass
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-2.5 ft
- Spread: 1.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: August to October
- Bloom Description: Blackish brown
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal performance, plant Fountain grass in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, ensuring it is situated where it receives full sun, although part shade is tolerated. Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’ thrives in average soils, provided they are consistently medium to wet; excellent drainage is not a prerequisite, making it suitable for rain gardens. When planting, give the clumps enough space to achieve their mature spread of 1.5 to 2 feet wide.
Watering should be consistent, especially while the plant is establishing its root system, aligning with its medium to wet needs. Once established, this cultivar exhibits good drought tolerance. Fertilizing is rarely necessary for mature grasses unless the soil is exceedingly poor. The primary cultural requirement for this ornamental grass is its annual cleanup.
In late winter, before new growth begins to emerge, cut all the old foliage down to the ground. This pruning encourages vigorous, fresh green shoots to arise in the spring. Be aware that while the species may self-seed, the cultivar Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’ does not come true from seed, confirming that propagation must occur via division of mature clumps. Gardeners in Zone 5 should select a well-protected site to ensure reliable winter survival.
Landscape Uses
The texture of Fountain grass is unmatched, offering fine contrast against broad-leaved perennials or formal structural plantings. Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’ functions beautifully when used as a specimen plant, drawing the eye exactly where intended due to its dark plumes. It works well massed along borders or foundations where medium height is desired for layering.
Due to its preference for medium to wet soil, this cultivar is highly recommended for suggested uses in rain gardens or along the peripheries of ponds and streams, integrating seamlessly into moisture-retaining landscape areas. Furthermore, its clumping habit and root structure make it an effective choice for stabilizing slopes prone to erosion. Consider pairing the dark flower heads of ‘Moudry’ with silvery or yellow foliage plants for maximum visual impact through the autumn season.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
- Good Dried
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pennisetum alopecuroides, commonly called fountain grass, is a warm season, clump-forming grass native to grassy hillsides, roadsides, and meadows in East Asia. Features narrow, medium to deep green leaves in summer, changing to golden yellow in fall and fading to beige in late fall, often remaining visually appealing throughout winter. The plant is most noted for its distinctive dark purple flower spikes that arch outward in late summer, providing a fountain effect that gives the grass its common name.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Erosion
- Black Walnut
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’ generally exhibits robustness in the garden, presenting no serious insect or disease issues under normal conditions. The primary care concern involves its reproductive habit; while the cultivar must be divided rather than grown from seed, it can still self-seed aggressively in optimum, fertile growing conditions. If unwanted seedlings appear, they are easily removed while young. Otherwise, maintenance is very low once established.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Fountain grass suitable for?
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9, though protection may benefit plants situated at the colder edge of Zone 5.
How large does Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’ grow?
This cultivar typically reaches a height of 2 to 2.5 feet with a spread between 1.5 and 2 feet at maturity, providing a neat, mounded form.
When does Fountain grass bloom?
The blooming period for this Fountain grass extends from August through October, featuring characteristic blackish brown (often dark purple) flower spikes.
What sun exposure does Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’ need?
This plant performs best in full sun but tolerates part shade; however, too much shade may reduce the plant’s overall flowering performance.
Conclusion
The unique, dark, arching flower spikes make Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’ an indispensable textured element for adding late-season interest to the landscape. This low-maintenance Fountain grass variety handles challenging spots and offers excellent textural contrast. Before planting, confirm your USDA hardiness zone and ensure placement receives adequate sunlight for the best display of its signature plumes.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions that share similar cultural requirements for Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’ will ensure a cohesive and healthy design. Since this ornamental grass prefers medium to wet soil and full sun, pair it with summer bloomers that also appreciate consistent moisture, such as Astilbe (in partial shade or morning sun), Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium), or Joe-Pye Weed. Other textures that pair well include broad-leaved hostas near stream edges or drought-tolerant Sedums in sunnier, drier spots along the transition zone once the grass is established.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring cleanup is crucial for Fountain grass. Promptly cut back all dead foliage to the ground just as new green shoots begin to swell near the base; do this before new growth becomes extensive. Once temperatures are consistently warm, begin regular watering until establishment. Throughout summer, the Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’ requires little intervention beyond enjoying its emerging blooms in late August. In late fall or early winter, allow the foliage and dark plumes to remain standing for winter interest before performing the annual hard prune next spring.
