Gramineae

Phragmites in Florida

W. A. Overholt, R. Diaz, M. Hanson, D. Williams, B. A. Sellers, and J. P. Cuda

Pennisetum setaceum Tender Fountain Grass

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides information on Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum), a Category 2 invasive plant in Florida. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its fine-textured foliage, showy flowers, and potential invasiveness. The grass is noted for its ornamental use in landscapes, with details on its growth habits, planting requirements, and hardiness zones. The document also highlights the plant’s moderate drought tolerance and lack of serious pests or diseases. Additionally, it mentions the cultivar ‘Rubrum’ with its reddish foliage and flowers. The aim is to encourage the removal of this plant from landscapes and discourage its purchase at nurseries due to its invasive potential. Original publication date October 1999.

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Weserbergland' 'Weserbergland' Fountain Grass

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the ‘Weserbergland’ dwarf cultivar of fountain grass, scientifically known as Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Weserbergland’. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, and growth habits. The grass features white, bottle brush-like inflorescences that persist into fall and bright green foliage that turns golden brown in autumn. It is noted for its fine texture and graceful fountain shape, making it suitable for mass planting, containers, and borders. The document also covers its planting requirements, such as full sun and well-drained soils, and mentions its high drought tolerance and pest resistance. Additionally, it highlights the plant’s ornamental value and provides guidance on propagation through division. Original publication date October 1999.

Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' Purple Fountain Grass

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of red fountain grass, scientifically known as Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’. It describes the plant’s physical characteristics, including its reddish foliage, purple-pink or copper-colored flowers, and its height and spread. The document highlights the plant’s growth requirements, such as full sun exposure and well-drained soil, and notes its moderate drought tolerance. Additionally, it discusses the plant’s potential invasiveness and its use in landscaping as an ornamental grass. The document also mentions that red fountain grass is generally free from serious pests and diseases. Original publication date October 1999.

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' Dwarf Fountain Grass, Australian Fountain Grass

Edward F. Gilman, Ryan W. Klein, and Gail Hansen

This document provides an overview of the dwarf cultivar of fountain grass, Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’. It describes the plant’s characteristics, including its height, spread, and growth rate, as well as its ornamental features such as its white, bottle brush-like inflorescence and bright green foliage that turns golden brown in the fall. The document also covers the plant’s preferred growing conditions, including full sun and well-drained soils, and its high drought tolerance. Additionally, it highlights the plant’s uses in landscaping, its non-invasive nature, and its pest resistance. The propagation method by division every 5 to 10 years is also mentioned. Original publication date October 1999.