Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Piglet')

Overview

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Piglet’ is a highly attractive, compact cultivar of the popular Fountain grass, prized for its graceful mounding habit and late-season floral display. This ornamental grass forms neat clumps, making it an excellent choice where space for larger specimens is limited. It provides essential texture and movement in the garden from late summer well into the winter months.

As a warm-season grass, Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Piglet’ performs best with ample sunlight, though it can tolerate light afternoon shade. It is noted for its low maintenance requirements once established, handling varying moisture levels that many traditional border plants cannot. Gardeners appreciate the reliable, airy structure provided by this specific selection of Fountain grass.

The defining characteristic of Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Piglet’ is its fountain-like arching foliage topped by numerous, short, pinkish-white bottlebrush plumes lasting through fall. This compact variety serves as a foundational element or an effective mass planting, delivering consistent color and structural interest year-round.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Poaceae
• Plant Type: Ornamental grass
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 0.75-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: August to October
• Bloom Description: Pinkish white
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium to wet
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Piglet’ is easily established by planting in spring or early summer after the danger of hard frost has passed. Aim for a location receiving full sun for the best flowering performance, although it tolerates partial shade, it may produce fewer blooms in deeper shade. This grass performs well in average soils but is particularly adaptable, thriving in the medium to wet conditions suitable for rain gardens.

Water consistently until the mounds of Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Piglet’ are well-rooted, particularly in its first season. Once established, this Fountain grass is notably drought-tolerant. However, maintain consistent moisture if grown in hot, sunny exposures or if using it near pond peripheries where moisture is plentiful. Fertilization is rarely needed; too much nitrogen can lead to floppy growth rather than compact structure.

Maintenance is minimal for this ornamental grass. The most critical task is cutting the foliage back to the ground level in late winter before new growth begins in spring. Be aware that while Pennisetum alopecuroides can self-seed, this cultivar generally does not come true from seed, reducing the likelihood of unmanaged spread, although aggressive self-seeding has been noted in optimal conditions. Gardeners in the cooler reaches of Zone 5 should consider providing winter protection for maximum establishment success.

Landscape Uses

The diminutive size of Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Piglet’ makes it exceptionally versatile in landscape design. This Fountain grass excels when used as a small-scale ground cover or mass planting, softening the edges of paths or foundations where its texture provides contrast against broadleaf evergreens. Its use as an edge plant for rain gardens or pond peripheries is highly recommended, given its tolerance for periodically wet soil conditions.

For borders, utilize this variety for textural layering; place it toward the front where its height (under 1.5 feet) will not obscure taller perennials. The arching habit and delicate flower spikes provide excellent three-season interest against structured materials like stone or paving. Consider pairing Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Piglet’ with late-blooming, drought-tolerant perennials that share similar light and moisture needs for a cohesive look.

Furthermore, due to its ability to help stabilize soil, this grass is suitable for reinforcing slopes. The dense root structure combined with its drought tolerance once mature makes it an effective component in erosion control plantings that also offer superb aesthetic value.

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. Providing exceptional texture, the cultivar ‘Piglet’ typically grows in a graceful, spreading clump to 18” tall and 24” wide, significantly smaller than the species form. Its narrow, medium green leaves are topped by silvery to pinkish-white, bristly, bottle brush-like flower spikes that arch outward in late summer.

Tolerances

• Drought
• Erosion
• Wet Soil
• Black Walnut
• Air Pollution

Potential Problems

Pennisetum alopecuroides generally exhibits strong resistance to serious insect infestations or common garden diseases, making it reliably low maintenance. The primary concern gardeners face is its potential to self-seed aggressively under optimal growing conditions, leading to unwanted seedlings appearing throughout the garden bed. Although this specific cultivar is often described as less aggressive than the straight species, vigilance is still warranted. To manage potential spread, ensure spent flower heads are removed before the seeds fully shatter in late fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Fountain grass suitable for?

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Piglet’ is hardy across USDA Zones 5 through 9, though plants in Zone 5 benefit from protected winter siting.

How large does Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Piglet’ grow?

This compact Fountain grass typically reaches a mature height between 0.75 and 1.5 feet tall, with a spread ranging from 1 to 2 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Piglet’ need?

For the best results, plant this grass where it receives full sun, although it can tolerate some part shade; intense shade, however, will minimize its fantastic bloom production.

When does Fountain grass bloom?

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Piglet’ begins its showy display in August and continues blooming consistently through October, producing pinkish white plumes.

Conclusion

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Piglet’ offers immense value to the modern garden through its fine texture, compact size, and exceptionally long bloom season. This low-maintenance Fountain grass handles moisture fluctuations well, providing reliable structure and movement in nearly any sunny location. Before planting, confirm your garden falls within USDA Zones 5-9 and prepare to enjoy the airy beauty of this excellent ornamental grass.

Companion Planting

Selecting good neighbors enhances the visual impact of Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Piglet’. Because it prefers medium to wet soils and full sun, pair it with other sun-loving, somewhat moisture-tolerant perennials. Plants with contrasting foliage, such as dark-leaved Sedum or silvery Artemisia species work well when planted nearby to make the green blades and pink plumes stand out. Groupings of upright coneflowers (Echinacea) or Rudbeckia are excellent companions, maturing around the same time and sharing similar cultural needs, creating a robust, continuous summer display.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Late winter (before new growth starts) is the critical time for caring for Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Piglet’. At this time, use sharp loppers or shears to cut all the dead foliage back to within a few inches of the ground, allowing fresh new shoots to emerge cleanly. In spring, once planted, focus on consistent watering to establish the root system, especially if precipitation is low during the heat of summer. As summer progresses into fall, enjoy the ongoing bloom of the Fountain grass; no deadheading is necessary for winter interest.