Fountain grass (Pennisetum orientale 'Tall Tails')
Pennisetum orientale 'Tall Tails' is a showy, low-maintenance Fountain grass, offering 4-5 ft height and graceful pinkish-white plumes in Zones 5-8.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Pennisetum orientale ‘Tall Tails’, commonly known as Fountain grass, is a robust, warm-season ornamental grass prized for its dramatic height and sweeping, airy flower plumes. This vigorous cultivar, ‘Tall Tails’, significantly surpasses the size of the species, reaching up to five feet tall, making it an excellent vertical accent in the landscape. Its combination of graceful form and minimal cultural needs ensures long-lasting seasonal interest.
The distinctive feature of this Fountain grass is the soft, pinkish-white flower spikes that arch artfully above the gray-green foliage, living up to the common name by resembling arching streams of water. These showy bracts provide color from early summer well into autumn, offering texture and movement where structure is needed. Pennisetum orientale ‘Tall Tails’ thrives in bright conditions and exhibits good drought tolerance once fully established.
For gardeners in zones 5 through 8, this ornamental grass offers a fantastic architectural element with low demands. Use the impressive vertical accents of Pennisetum orientale ‘Tall Tails’ to soften architectural lines or provide contrast against broadleaf shrubs. Its low maintenance profile makes it ideal for borders, mass plantings, or as a standalone specimen.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Poaceae
- Plant Type: Ornamental grass
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 4-5 ft
- Spread: 2-3 ft
- Bloom Time: June to September
- Bloom Description: Pinkish-white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Plant Pennisetum orientale ‘Tall Tails’ in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, ensuring it establishes before extreme summer heat. This Fountain grass prefers average, medium-moisture soils, ideally sandy loams that drain well. While it tolerates light shade, maximum bloom performance, which provides the signature texture, requires full sun exposure. Avoid planting in heavy clay soils, as poor drainage can compromise root health.
Once established, Pennisetum orientale ‘Tall Tails’ requires medium watering, leaning toward regular moisture, though established plants demonstrate good drought tolerance. Fertilization is rarely necessary; overly rich soil can lead to weak stems. The general care strategy is centered on pruning rather than feeding.
Prune this ornamental grass severely in late winter before vigorous new shoots begin to emerge from the base. Cut all the old foliage down to the ground. This practice keeps the plant tidy and encourages strong, upright new growth for the season ahead. Remember that ‘Tall Tails’ offers better winter hardiness than the species, reliably enduring Zone 5 conditions.
Landscape Uses
The architectural nature and cascading plumes of Pennisetum orientale ‘Tall Tails’ make it a versatile choice for contemporary or naturalistic gardens. Its strong vertical habit excels when used as a specimen plant, drawing the eye upward in open areas or near entryways. For high-impact displays, group or mass plantings create beautiful, flowing curtains of texture along foundations or property lines.
The fine texture of the foliage and the airy quality of the pinkish-white flowers provide excellent contrast against broadleaf evergreens or bold-textured perennials. Consider pairing this Fountain grass with plants that require similar moisture levels and full sun conditions, such as coneflowers, Black-eyed Susans, or ornamental sedges. The overall goal is to utilize its graceful movement to animate borders.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pennisetum orientale is a warm season fountain grass that is native to Asia. It is an ornamental grass that typically forms graceful, spreading foliage clumps to 18” tall and as wide of narrow, gray-green leaves (to 1/4” wide). Showy, fluffy, pinkish-white flower spikes arch upward and outward from the foliage clump in late summer like water spraying from a fountain, hence the common name. Flower spikes rise well above the foliage to 2.5-3’ tall. Foliage changes to yellowish-tan in fall, and usually remain attractive throughout the winter. The cultivar, ‘Tall Tails’, grows significantly larger than species plants, reaching mature heights of 4-5 feet including its attractive, tail-like flower spikes.
Tolerances
- Black Walnut
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
This Fountain grass variety generally exhibits no serious insect or disease problems when sited correctly. The most common cultural issue arises from incorrect soil conditions, particularly heavy clay that retains too much moisture, which can lead to root rot in wet winters or springs. Ensure excellent drainage when planting Pennisetum orientale ‘Tall Tails’ to prevent stress. If pests are observed, healthy plants are usually capable of resisting minor infestations without chemical intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Fountain grass suitable for?
Pennisetum orientale ‘Tall Tails’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 8, offering improved cold tolerance over the species standard.
How large does Pennisetum orientale ‘Tall Tails’ grow?
This vigorous ornamental grass typically matures to a height between 4 and 5 feet, with a spread ranging from 2 to 3 feet wide.
When does Fountain grass bloom?
The showy, pinkish-white plumes of the Pennisetum orientale ‘Tall Tails’ begin to appear in June and continue providing visual interest through September.
What sun exposure does Pennisetum orientale ‘Tall Tails’ need?
It performs best in full sun but will tolerate part shade; however, flowering may be significantly reduced if the plant receives too much shade.
Conclusion
Pennisetum orientale ‘Tall Tails’ is an invaluable, low-maintenance ornamental grass, delivering superior height and elegant movement with its distinctive pinkish-white plumes from summer until fall. Ensure you situate this Fountain grass where it receives adequate sun and enjoys well-drained soil, confirming that your garden falls within USDA Zones 5-8 before planting this season.
Companion Planting
For vibrant summer contrast alongside the flowing texture of Pennisetum orientale ‘Tall Tails’, consider pairing it with sturdy perennials that share its love for full sun and medium moisture. Plants with bold, large foliage, such as Sedums or Hosta varieties suited for partial sun areas, create an excellent textural counterpoint to the fine blades of the grass. Conversely, incorporate deep purple or bright yellow flowering companions, like certain Rudbeckia cultivars or Salvia, to enhance the subtle colors of the Pennisetum’s plumes during the peak bloom time of June through September.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring preparation for your Fountain grass involves timely rejuvenation. As soon as new growth signals the end of winter dormancy (usually early spring), cut the previous year’s dead foliage completely back to the ground. This is the single most important maintenance task for Pennisetum orientale ‘Tall Tails’. Throughout the summer, monitor water levels; while established plants tolerate drought, consistent medium moisture ensures the best performance and plume development. In the fall, allow the foliage to turn its natural yellowish-tan color and leave the seed heads standing to provide winter structure and appeal before the hard cutback next spring.
