About Fountain Grass
A graceful ornamental grass forming dense clumps of arching, narrow leaves topped with feathery, bottlebrush-like flower plumes that sway mesmerizingly in the breeze. The purple variety adds dramatic burgundy color and movement to any landscape. Fountain Grass belongs to the Poaceae family and originates from North Africa, Middle East, and Southwest Asia; cultivated worldwide for landscaping..
Purple fountain grass has become a popular modern landscaping element in the Philippines — used in resort gardens, commercial landscapes, and residential designs for its dramatic color and movement. It adds a contemporary feel that complements tropical minimalist architecture. Well-suited to Philippine heat and drought conditions. Available at landscape nurseries in Laguna, Rizal, and Cavite. The purple variety provides rare burgundy color in the Philippine plant palette.
Also known as: Pennisetum, Purple Fountain Grass, Ornamental Grass.
Popular Varieties
- 'Rubrum' (Purple Fountain Grass — burgundy/purple, sterile)
- 'Fireworks' (variegated pink, burgundy, green)
- Pennisetum alopecuroides (green, hardier)
- 'Hameln' (dwarf green variety)
How to Plant Fountain Grass in the Philippines
Fountain Grass can be propagated through division, seeds. The recommended method is division of established clumps.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Divide established clumps in early growing season.
- Step 2: Use a sharp spade to separate sections with intact roots.
- Step 3: Each division should have a good root mass and several stem clusters.
- Step 4: Replant immediately at the same depth.
- Step 5: Water well for 2-3 weeks until established.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Full sun (essential for best color and flower production). Position your fountain grass where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Drought-tolerant once established. Occasional deep watering during extended dry spells. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 25-40°C (thrives in Philippine heat). Any — adaptable to all conditions The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing fountain grass outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Minimal — light balanced fertilizer once at the start of growing season. Over-feeding reduces flowering.
Pruning
Cut back to 15-20 cm in early growing season to rejuvenate. Remove spent flower plumes for tidiness.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to pets and humans. Safe for all landscapes.
Common Problems & Solutions
Flopping/splitting open
Cause: Too much water or nitrogen causing weak, floppy growth
Solution: Reduce watering and feeding. Cut back hard — regrowth will be more compact.
Brown center (dead middle)
Cause: Normal aging — clumps die out in the center over time
Solution: Divide the clump, discard the dead center, and replant the outer healthy sections.
Self-seeding invasively
Cause: Some species produce viable seeds that spread aggressively
Solution: Use sterile varieties like 'Rubrum' (purple). Remove flower heads before seeds mature.
Looking ragged/messy
Cause: Old growth accumulating without annual cutback
Solution: Cut entire plant to 15-20 cm once per year. Fresh, clean growth emerges within weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for Fountain Grass in the Philippines?
Fountain Grass needs full sun (essential for best color and flower production). Water drought-tolerant once established. occasional deep watering during extended dry spells.. Feed with minimal — light balanced fertilizer once at the start of growing season. over-feeding reduces flowering.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 25-40°C (thrives in Philippine heat) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate Fountain Grass?
The recommended method is division of established clumps. Divide established clumps in early growing season. Use a sharp spade to separate sections with intact roots.
Is Fountain Grass toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic to pets and humans. Safe for all landscapes.
Can Fountain Grass grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, Fountain Grass grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing Fountain Grass?
Common issues include: Flopping/splitting open (caused by too much water or nitrogen causing weak, floppy growth — reduce watering and feeding. cut back hard — regrowth will be more compact); Brown center (dead middle) (caused by normal aging — clumps die out in the center over time — divide the clump, discard the dead center, and replant the outer healthy sections); Self-seeding invasively (caused by some species produce viable seeds that spread aggressively — use sterile varieties like 'rubrum' (purple). remove flower heads before seeds mature).
Growing fountain grass in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!