Pennisetum orientale 'Tall Tails' - Tall Oriental Fountain Grass

For maximum hardiness this plant should be grown in well-drained soil and full sun. Light shade is acceptable, but only in the hottest climates. Oriental Fountain grass will start to bloom by late June and will continue until frost. Considered by some to be the most floriferous of all the grasses. It even blooms for us the first year from plugs!

The multitude of 15-20 cm (6-8") flowers are nearly white with a hint of pearlescent pink. Dividing this grass can be difficult, with a high percentage of losses and should only be done in early Spring, just as the new growth appears. When transplanting be sure the crown of the plant isn't covered.

This is the cold-climate answer to Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides).

Description: warm season*; clump forming
Foliage - green; narrow; 60-100 cm (24-36")
Flowers - at first are light pink turning white; bristle-like; July to frost; 100-150 cm (40-60")

Ideal conditions: fertile soil; full sun; ample water in dry periods; excellent drainage is essential as it is sometimes damaged by wet winters

Coldest Zone: 5 sometimes listed as a Zone 6 plant, but it seems to be quite hardy in Zone 5, possibly colder (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Season of interest: while in flower and for its fall colour

Suggested uses: containers, specimens, large groups, borders, massed

Partner with: Aster, Eupatorium, Rudbeckia, Sedums and Yucca

Native to: Pennisetum orientale is native to the mountains of central and south-western Asia to north-western India

Drought tolerance rating: 2 (water to root depth once every 2 weeks); further info

Recommended spacing between plants: 60-90cm (24-36") why such a difference?

When to divide: when it shows a good flush of greenery in the spring, continuing until the new growth is about 10" tall; only in the spring (further info on dividing grasses)

When to plant or transplant: plant bare root plants only in late spring to early summer, when the soil is warm, about the same time you plant your bean or corn seeds. The roots will grow only in warm soil. Planting too early in the spring may cause the roots to rot. Similar story in the fall when the roots may not grow enough to establish before the cold and wet of winter, resulting in the demise of the plant.

When to cut back: before the new growth starts to appear, but after the cold weather is over. Cut back to about 3-4" from the crown of the plant.

Pronunciation: Pennisetum (pen-ih-SEE-tum) orientale (or-ee-en-TAL-ee)

Sizes available: field clump     Canadian price list   ||   US price list

*a warm season grass likes to grow in warm weather. Before it will show signs of life in the spring, the soil must warm up, and be warm for possibly as long as two weeks.

More ornamental grasses

Compare Pennisetum orientale 'Tall Tales' to our other grasses in this handy chart.