oriental fountain grass
Cenchrus orientalis
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones6 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Burgundy purple
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Oriental fountain grass (Cenchrus orientalis) is a grass for borders, containers, and accents, and it needs little care. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. Burgundy purple blooms appear in summer, and birds visit the plant. It also tolerates drought. Deer tend to browse other plants first.
Pairs well with Hummingbird's mint, African marigold, and Wormwood.
Native range
Africa.