Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ – Hameln Fountain Grass is a compact, clump-forming ornamental grass prized for its graceful, arching green foliage and soft, buff-colored flower plumes that appear from mid-to-late summer. As fall progresses, its foliage turns golden-bronze, providing multi-season interest in the landscape. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant grass thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for borders, mass plantings, and container gardens. With its soft, fountain-like habit, Hameln adds movement and texture to any garden design.

Why Choose Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ – Hameln Fountain Grass?

• Compact, Graceful Growth Habit: Perfect for small gardens and mixed borders.
• Drought-Tolerant & Deer-Resistant: Thrives in dry conditions with minimal maintenance.
• Seasonal Interest: Green summer foliage turns golden-bronze in fall, with plumes lasting into winter.

Cultivating Tips:

• Best grown in full sun for optimal flowering and foliage color.
• Prefers well-drained soil and tolerates drought once established.
• Cut back in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh new growth.

Design Ideas for Your Garden:

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ is perfect for prairie gardens, mixed borders, and mass plantings. Its soft, arching plumes pair beautifully with coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and sedum. Use it to soften pathways, create texture in perennial gardens, or as a low-maintenance focal point in modern landscapes.

Ecological Benefits:

While Hameln Fountain Grass is not a native species, its plumes provide shelter for small wildlife, and its deep root system helps prevent soil erosion. It is an excellent addition to eco-friendly landscapes due to its low water requirements and ability to thrive in poor soils.

Since Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ is not a native species, consider these native alternatives available at Bumbee’s:

• Schizachyrium scoparium – Little Bluestem – A drought-tolerant native grass with blue-green summer foliage that turns copper-orange in fall.
• Panicum virgatum – Switchgrass – A versatile native grass with airy seed heads that attract wildlife.
• Carex appalachica – Appalachian Sedge – A fine-textured, shade-tolerant native sedge that forms soft, flowing tufts, making it an excellent low-maintenance groundcover or border plant.