
Light Needs

Mature Height

Mature Spread

Growing Zones
This deer-resistant grass will provide gorgeous year-round interest in a sunny location in your garden. Your eyes will be drawn toward the fluffy bottlebrush plumes that begin as dusty purple and gradually became a pretty shade of tan in the fall. The green foliage of springtime also changes throughout the seasons beginning with the tips turning red and eventually the fronds change to autumn oranges and yellows. This grass can also be used as a vertical element in a large container to create a focal point in your garden.
You can successfully grow Pennisetum alopecuroides in zones 5 to 9. At maturity, it will attain a height of 40 to 48 inches and a width of 36 to 48 inches. This grass can be left up to add winter interest to your garden. Be sure to cut it back to a height of 3 to 5 inches before new growth appears in the spring. In late summer the flowering 5-inch blooms appear. They’ll add movement to your garden as they sway in the breeze.
Prairie Winds Desert Plains Fountain Grass Care
Prairie Winds Desert Plains Fountain Grass can handle both hot and dry as well as humid conditions. Once established, this plant will need little care besides spring pruning and occasional watering in dry conditions. This ornamental grass grows best in rich, well-drained soil. It does not like to grow in areas where water pools after a rainstorm. Plants can be divided a few years after they’re established in your landscape.
Prairie Winds Desert Plains Fountain Grass Spacing
Space plants 3 to 4 feet apart on center. Use multiple plants to create a 3-season screen for privacy or to hide unsightly outdoor utilities.
Prairie Winds Desert Plains Fountain Grass Plant Facts
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9 |
Flower Color(s): Purple |
Bloom Period: Fall |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Light Exposure: Full Sun |
Height Class: Medium |
Height: 40-48 Inches |
Spread: 3-4 Feet |
Spacing: 3-4 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Watering: Average |
Drought Tolerant: No |
Resists: Deer |
Features: Fall Interest; Winter Interest; Foliage Interest |
Scientific Name: Prairie Winds® 'Desert Plains' Pennisetum alopecuroides USPP 20,751 |
Common Name: Prairie Winds® Desert Plains Fountain Grass |
Other Name(s): Chinese, Fountain Grass; Swamp Foxtail Grass; Ornamental Grass |
Brand: Proven Winners |
- SKU:
- PENDE
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2025 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 31th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: Idaho, Utah, AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!