Pennstripe™ Fountain Grass

Pennstripe Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides 'PAV300') is a compact variegated grass with feathery plumes, bred by Ozbreed and now listed by them as Cenchrus purpurascens. It reaches about 450mm high and wide, around two fifths the size of the common form, and its striped leaves make a lively contrast to the soft plumes above them.

Why you'll love it

• Properly compact. At 450mm it stays in scale with borders and rockeries where a common fountain grass would swamp its neighbours.
• Striped foliage. The variegated leaf adds contrast to a bed of plain green or strappy plants.
• Not the weedy one. The native Australian plants have a much wider plume than the invasive African fountain grass, and this variety has not produced viable seed so far.
• Hardy. It tolerates frost, humidity and drought.
• Not fussy about soil. Sandy soils through to heavy clay suit it.

Where it works best

Mass planting. Plant 40cm apart, about six plants per square metre, for a soft, even sweep. Ozbreed's range is four to ten per square metre, so stretch the spacing to 50cm where budget matters.

Borders and specimen planting. Two to four plants per linear metre makes a continuous edge, while a single clump works as a specimen against paving, gravel or dark foliage.

Rockeries and roadsides. The compact size keeps it in proportion beside rocks, and it is used in commercial and residential plantings alike.

Growing Pennstripe Fountain Grass in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. Ozbreed lists it for every state and the ACT, and it tolerates frost, humidity and drought, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and drier inland gardens.

Soil. Sandy to heavy clay. Plant into a well mulched bed, using chunky mulch if you can.

Water and feed. Water as needed for the first 8 to 13 weeks, then let established plants manage. Apply a slow release fertiliser in late winter as growth restarts.

Pruning. This is the one regular job. Trim the clump back to a third of its size each year in late autumn to winter, which clears the old foliage and plumes and makes room for fresh growth.

What to expect when it arrives

We list Pennstripe Fountain Grass in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Stock comes from Ozbreed's licensed growers and is grown to order at times, so a size can show as backorder. Order it and we confirm timing with you before anything ships. The 140mm plants are the economical choice for a large sweep, while the 200mm plants give border presence sooner. Grass travels well, and a flattened leaf lifts again within days.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full fountain grass range
• See the full Ozbreed range
• More grasses and strappy leaf plants
• More Australian native plants

Common questions

Is this the weedy fountain grass?

No. The weed is the African Pennisetum setaceum, which has a narrow plume. Ozbreed lists Pennstripe with the native Australian species, which has a much wider plume, and so far it has not produced viable seed.

Why does it have two botanical names?

Ozbreed now lists it as Cenchrus purpurascens to help separate the native plant from the exotic weed. It is the same plant that was sold under the name Pennisetum alopecuroides.

When do I cut it back?

Once a year, in late autumn to winter, to about a third of its size.