Landscape Performance of Green Fountain Grass Alternatives Grown in Northern and Southern Florida
Wilson, S.B.; Knox, G.W.
Horttechnology 19(2): 471-476
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1063-0198 Accession: 070629306
Plant growth, visual quality, flowering, and seed production were assessed for 10 fountain grass (Pennisetum) cultivars planted in northern and southern Florida. All fountain grass cultivars except Rubrum Dwarf fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) and Red Buttons fountain grass (Pennisetum messiacum) achieved flower ratings of 3 to 5 in both locations during the first growing season. During the second growing season, chinese fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides), 'Cassian' chinese fountain grass ( P. alopecuroides), 'Hameln' chinese fountain grass (P. alopecuroides), and 'Red Buttons' fountain grass flowered better in northern Florida, and green fountain grass (P. setaceum) and 'Rubrum Dwarf' fountain grass flowered better in southern Florida. Visual quality of chinese fountain grass and its cultivars generally declined in October without resuming growth through May. 'Little Bunny' chinese fountain grass (P. alopecuroides) and oriental pennisetum (Pennisetum orientale) declined dramatically during the first season and did not survive the 84-week study in northern or southern Florida. 'Rubrum' fountain grass (P. setaceum) and `Rubrum Dwarf fountain grass did not produce any seeds.