Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Sky Rocket')
Pennisetum setaceum 'Sky Rocket' is a tender Fountain grass prized for its variegated foliage and white, wispy plumes. Low maintenance in warm zones.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Pennisetum setaceum ‘Sky Rocket’, commonly known as Fountain grass, offers striking vertical texture and movement in the landscape. This cultivar is highly valued for its unique variegated foliage, featuring vertical bands of green and white, which provides contrast even when not in bloom. As a tender perennial, its reliable performance dictates seasonal management depending on local climate.
This rapid-growing, clump-forming ornamental grass produces arching linear leaves topped by late-summer flower spikes. The characteristic plumes are white with subtle purple-pink bristles, adding an airy, soft texture. Gardeners favor Fountain grass for its relatively low maintenance requirements once established in suitable conditions.
Its overall fountain-like appearance gives it its common name, making Pennisetum setaceum ‘Sky Rocket’ an excellent specimen plant or textural grouping in modern and traditional borders. Ensure you site this grass where it can catch the breeze to fully appreciate its graceful movement.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Poaceae
- Plant Type: Ornamental grass
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: July to October
- Bloom Description: White with purple-pink bristles
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For perennial success, plant Pennisetum setaceum ‘Sky Rocket’ in the spring after the danger of frost has passed, ensuring it is situated in average, well-drained soil. While it tolerates part shade, best performance for both foliage color and flowering is achieved in full sun conditions. If you reside outside Zones 9 or 10, treat your Fountain grass as an elegant annual, purchasing new stock each spring.
Watering needs are medium; provide consistent moisture throughout the active growing season, especially if grown in full, intense sun. Good drainage is essential, as poor soil conditions can compromise its health. Once blooming begins in July, the upright plumes will provide continuous interest.
In colder zones where it is managed as an annual, simply remove the dead plants after the first hard frost in the fall. In warmer regions (Zones 9-10), although it is winter hardy, plants may benefit from reduced feeding to avoid excessive soft, wind-prone growth. Plants may require staking or placement in sheltered areas, as strong winds can be problematic for taller specimens.
Landscape Uses
The architectural structure and delicate plumes of Pennisetum setaceum ‘Sky Rocket’ make it indispensable for adding fine texture to landscape designs. Use this ornamental grass as a dynamic component near foundations or along borders where its height (usually 2-3 ft) provides a soft transition from hardscaping to softer plantings. Its vertical lines contrast beautifully with mounding perennials and broadleaf shrubs.
Consider mass planting this Fountain grass for a dramatic, rhythmic screen or drift effect, particularly effective along walkways where its movement can be easily observed. Because it is relatively compact, it also performs well in large containers, often combined with upright spiky plants and trailing spillers. The variegated leaves ensure visual interest throughout the season.
This grass pairs exceptionally well with plants that appreciate similar sun and moisture requirements, such as salvias, rudbeckia, or upright evergreen structure plants. The overall effect created by Pennisetum setaceum ‘Sky Rocket’ is modern, airy, and visually engaging from spring until dormancy.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Pennisetum setaceum is a tender perennial fountain grass native to Africa, southeast Asia, and the Middle East, recognized for its rapid, clump-forming growth. This cultivar, ‘Sky Rocket’, was selected for its variegated foliage displaying vertical green and white bands over its green centers. It produces sterile, white flowering plumes tinged with purple-pink bristles that rise above the foliage, growing 2 to 3 ft tall and 1 to 2 ft wide.
Tolerances
- Black Walnut
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
Pennisetum setaceum ‘Sky Rocket’ generally avoids serious insect or disease issues, contributing to its low maintenance reputation. In regions where it is grown as a perennial, ensure excellent drainage to prevent crown rot in wet, cold winters. If new plants appear weak or floppy, site future plantings away from severe wind exposure to maintain their upright habit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Fountain grass suitable for?
Pennisetum setaceum ‘Sky Rocket’ is winter hardy in defined USDA Zones 9 and 10, where it grows as a perennial. Gardeners outside these zones typically grow this selection as an annual.
How large does Pennisetum setaceum ‘Sky Rocket’ grow?
This specific Fountain grass typically reaches mature heights between 2 and 3 feet tall, spreading to occupy 1 to 2 feet of width.
What sun exposure does Pennisetum setaceum ‘Sky Rocket’ need?
For the best performance, Pennisetum setaceum ‘Sky Rocket’ requires full sun, although it can tolerate conditions transitioning into part shade.
When does Fountain grass bloom?
This ornamental grass produces its distinctive white and purple-pink bristled plumes from July through October.
Conclusion
The variegated foliage and delicate plumes ensure that Pennisetum setaceum ‘Sky Rocket’ remains a textural powerhouse through the summer and fall garden seasons. This versatile Fountain grass offers high ornamental impact with minimal required upkeep in its designated hardy zones. Before planting, always verify your USDA hardiness zone compatibility, or plan accordingly for seasonal enjoyment in colder climates.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate companions is key to maximizing the textural appeal of Fountain grass in the garden. Pair the fine texture and variegated color of Pennisetum setaceum ‘Sky Rocket’ with plants that offer bold, broad leaves or solid blocks of color. Consider using large-leafed hostas (in shaded areas) or salvias and coneflowers (in full sun) as contrasting elements that emphasize the grass’s airy nature.
When integrating this grass into a border, aim for medium-height, sun-loving companions that share its medium water needs. Plants that offer strong purple or deep blue flowers create a stunning complementary color palette against the whitish plumes of the Fountain grass. Proper spacing should account for its 1-2 foot spread to prevent overcrowding, which can impede air circulation.
Design Ideas for Variegated Grasses
The vertical lines and striped foliage of Pennisetum setaceum ‘Sky Rocket’ lend themselves well to contemporary and formal garden designs. Use it near entryways or alongside patios to introduce dynamic movement and soften severe architectural lines. Planting in odd-numbered groupings (threes or fives) creates a natural, flowing appearance that mimics water movement.
For a dramatic evening display, place this ornamental grass where moonlight or subtle uplighting can catch its foliage and plumes. Since it grows only 2 to 3 feet tall, it works effectively in the front to middle sections of a mixed border, allowing taller backdrop plants to frame its delicate silhouette. Its sterile plumes reduce concerns about unwanted spreading.
