Plant Care Guide

White Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides

White Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) is a graceful, mound-forming ornamental grass prized for its arching foliage and soft, foxtail-like plumes. Unlike the annual red fountain grass, this “white” variety is a hardy perennial in many climates and offers long-lasting visual interest, from airy tan plumes in summer to bronze-orange foliage in fall. Highly adaptable, drought-tolerant once established, and low-maintenance, it works beautifully in borders, mass plantings, naturalistic gardens, and containers. With the right sun, spacing, and a once-yearly prune, White Fountain Grass becomes a dependable, four-season structural plant.

Watering Requirements

White Fountain Grass prefers consistently moist soil while establishing, but becomes moderately drought-tolerant once mature. Water deeply during its first growing season to help the root system develop. After that, water only during extended dry spells. Avoid waterlogged soil, as the plant dislikes poor drainage.

Watering Schedule

  • Spring–Summer (Establishing): Water weekly or when the top 3–4 inches of soil are dry
  • Established Plants: Water during drought conditions
  • Container Plants: Water more frequently, as pots dry out faster
  • Outdoor in Humid, Rainy Climates: Reduce watering once roots are established

Signs of Overwatering

  • Mushy or rotting crown
  • Floppy, yellowing foliage
  • Soil that stays soggy or foul-smelling

Signs of Underwatering

  • Browning or crispy leaf tips
  • Sparse or shortened plumes
  • Premature dormancy in summer heat

Pro Tips

Water at the base of the plant (not over the plumes) to avoid causing the arching blades to mat or flop.

Light Requirements

White Fountain Grass thrives in full sun, producing its best color, tallest growth, and most abundant plumes with 6–8 hours of sunlight daily. It tolerates partial shade, but too little sun results in fewer blooms and a more open, floppy form.

Ideal Placement

  • Full-sun garden beds or borders
  • Along pathways or fences
  • Hillsides, slopes, and rock gardens
  • Containers positioned in bright outdoor areas

Signs of Too Much Light

  • Bleached foliage in extreme heat (rare and usually heat-related, not sun-related)

Signs of Too Little Light

  • Sparse, thin plumes
  • Leggy, flopping foliage
  • Reduced fall color

Pro Tips

Plant in full sun for the most dramatic “fountain” shape and strongest plume production.

Soil & Potting

White Fountain Grass is adaptable to many soils, from sandy to clay, as long as drainage is good. Rich, loamy soil encourages the fullest plumes, but the plant tolerates less fertile ground without issue.

Best Soil Mix (In-Ground)

  • Well-draining garden soil
  • Slightly acidic to neutral pH
  • Optional: Mix compost into poor soils for faster establishment

Container Growing

  • Use a large pot with excellent drainage
  • Fill with a high-quality, well-draining potting mix
  • Water more frequently than in-ground plants
  • Anchor pots in windy areas to prevent toppling

Pro Tips

Choose a container with room for root expansion, fountain grass grows faster and fuller when not overly root-bound.

Fertilizing

White Fountain Grass generally does not require fertilizer. However, a light feeding can boost growth in poorer soils.

Fertilizer Schedule

  • Spring: Apply a slow-release balanced fertilizer once (optional)
  • Summer–Fall: No feeding needed
  • Containers: Benefit from a single spring feeding

Signs of Nutrient Deficiency

  • Weak or delayed plumes
  • Pale, lackluster foliage

(First test soil pH and light levels—nutrient deficiencies are rare in fountain grass)

Pro Tips

More fertilizer ≠ more plumes. Overfeeding encourages floppy, lush foliage at the expense of flowers.

Pruning & Maintenance

Pruning is essential to keep White Fountain Grass looking tidy and to encourage fresh, full growth. The plant naturally dies back in winter and regrows in spring.

Maintenance Notes

  • Prune once per year
  • Cut back to 4–6 inches above the ground
  • Remove old, dead foliage just before new growth emerges
  • Tie the clump with twine before cutting for easier cleanup

Timing

  • Best: Late winter or very early spring
  • Avoid: Fall pruning (can stimulate late growth that is vulnerable to frost)

Pro Tips

If you want clean, upright spring regrowth, always prune before new shoots emerge, cutting too late can damage tender emerging blades.

Common Problems & Solutions

White Fountain Grass is generally trouble-free, but improper conditions can lead to reduced bloom or poor appearance.

Yellowing Foliage

Cause: Overwatering, waterlogged soil

Solution: Improve drainage, reduce watering

Floppy or Leggy Growth

Cause: Too much shade

Solution: Move to full sun or prune and encourage fresh growth

Sparse or No Plumes

Cause: Low light or pruning at the wrong time

Solution: Ensure full sun; prune in late winter only

Browning Tips

Cause: Drought stress, extreme heat, or compacted soil

Solution: Water deeply; add mulch; improve soil structure

Pro Tips

If your fountain grass looks stressed, check this order:

  1. Sunlight (needs full sun)
  2. Pruning timing (late winter only)
  3. Drainage (must not stay soggy)

Correcting these three factors resolves most issues quickly.