Pennisetum orientale, commonly known as Oriental Fountain Grass, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to open grasslands and steppes in Western and Central Asia. It typically grows to 60 cm (24 in) tall and broad, forming dense clumps. The plant features narrow, arching leaves and produces showy, tufted panicles up to 14 cm (5.5 in) long that are pale pink in color, maturing to a soft brown. These panicles appear in mid to late summer and can add a delicate, feathery texture to the garden landscape. Oriental Fountain Grass is semi-hardy and may struggle with prolonged freezing temperatures.

Oriental Fountain Grass is valued for its graceful form and the soft, brush-like appearance of its flower panicles. It is often used in ornamental gardens, borders, and as a specimen plant. While it prefers a sunny or partially shaded location, it is adaptable to a range of soil types, provided they offer medium drainage. To ensure its survival through colder winters, a sheltered position and winter protection, such as mulching, are recommended. This species has been recognized with the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit, indicating its excellence for garden use. Care should be taken in some regions as it can self-seed and become invasive.CC BY-SA 4.0