Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Moudry' - Black Flowering Fountain Grass

Fine textured sea-green foliage changes to a golden yellow in fall; blooms are dark purple-black bottlebrush plumes that persist until winter; beautiful as an accent or massed in borders or rock garden

Height: 30 inches. Spread: 3 feet. Sun: full sun. Hardiness zone: 4b.

Ornamental features

Moudry Fountain Grass has masses of beautiful plumes of deep purple flowers with black overtones rising above the foliage from mid to late summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. The brown seed heads are carried on showy plumes displayed in abundance in mid fall. Its grassy leaves are bluish-green in color. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous gold in the fall.

Landscape

Moudry Fountain Grass is an herbaceous perennial grass with a shapely form and gracefully arching stems. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Recommended for: Accent, Mass Planting, Rock/Alpine Gardens, General Garden Use, Container Planting.

Planting and growing

Moudry Fountain Grass will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder.