Pennisetum A. ‘Cassian’ 3Gal

Latin Name: Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Cassian'

Common Name: Cassian Fountain Grass

Zones: 5–9

Height & Spread: 2–3 feet tall, spreading 2–3 feet wide

Descriptive Features: A durable, cold-hardy selection of fountain grass, named after the son of noted plantsman Kurt Bluemel, valued for its combination of strong bloom performance and outstanding fall color. Forms a dense, arching, fountain-shaped mound of narrow green foliage that provides classic fountain grass texture and movement. From midsummer through fall, coppery-brown to tan, bottlebrush-like flower spikes rise gracefully above the foliage in abundance, blooming earlier and more prolifically than many other fountain grass cultivars and persisting as attractive seed heads well into winter if left standing, offering food and shelter for birds. Foliage puts on one of the best fall displays in the genus, turning vivid shades of orange, gold, and red before fading to tan for winter. Extremely low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established, adaptable to a wide range of soils. Deer-resistant, needing only a late-winter cutback before new growth resumes. An excellent choice for borders, mass plantings, or as a graceful accent with strong multi-season interest in full sun to light shade.