Pennisetum orientale Karley Rose (Oriental Fountain Grass)

Animating your plantings with its nodding, intense smoky rose-purple fuzzy flowers, Oriental Fountain Grass 'Karley Rose' (Pennisetum orientale) is among the most beautiful and graceful ornamental grasses. Its showy flower spikes rise high above the foliage, arching upward or outward, and cascading down the deep green foliage that rustles in the wind. Luckily, they can be admired over a long blooming season, which extends into fall. The attractive dark green foliage turns to a warm golden-tan color in fall and generally remains attractive well into the winter.

• Typically grows in 2-3 ft tall (60-90 cm) sprawling tussocks of narrow green foliage, topped with soft, furry, bottlebrush-like flowers on arching stems from early summer until fall.
• Welcomed in any garden style, it is versatile and can be used as a specimen plant, in groups or en masse. It is ideal in borders where it provides texture, color and contrast. Excellent choice for containers, small gardens or rock gardens. Flowers are excellent for cutting, fresh or dried arrangements.
• Performs best in full sun, in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates part shade, but flowering will not be as colorful. Sandy loams with good drainage are preferred. Drought and deer resistant!
• Cut back old foliage to the ground in late winter.