Tender Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum) – also known as Crimson Fountain Grass or African Fountain Grass – is a graceful, warm-season ornamental bunchgrass that brings elegant movement and soft texture to any landscape. This fast-growing, clump-forming perennial features narrow, arching green leaves that form a fountain-like mound, topped with fluffy, bottlebrush-like flower plumes in soft pinkish-purple to burgundy tones that sway beautifully in the breeze from summer through fall. Reaching 3–5 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide, it adds airy drama and late-season interest.
Gardeners adore this plant for its effortless, flowing beauty that mimics a cascading fountain—hence the name! The feathery plumes catch the light and add dynamic motion, while the fine-textured foliage provides year-round softness (evergreen in mild climates). It's incredibly versatile for borders, rock gardens, mass plantings, or containers, thriving in hot, dry conditions where many plants struggle. Low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and deer-resistant, it offers long-lasting visual appeal with minimal effort, making it a favorite for modern, xeriscape, or tropical-inspired designs.
