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ornamental grass

Sky Rocket Fountain Grass

Pennisetum setaceum 'Sky Rocket'

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Sky Rocket Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Sky Rocket') at A Very Successful Garden Center

Sky Rocket Fountain Grass in bloom

Sky Rocket Fountain Grass in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Sky Rocket Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Sky Rocket') at A Very Successful Garden Center

Sky Rocket Fountain Grass foliage

Sky Rocket Fountain Grass foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Sky Rocket Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum 'Sky Rocket') at A Very Successful Garden Center

Sky Rocket Fountain Grass in bloom

Sky Rocket Fountain Grass in bloom

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  3 feet

Spread:  24 inches

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  8b

Description:

This highly ornamental grass is na excellent counterpart to the showy red-leaf varieties; features grassy green foliage with prominent white stripes, followed by fluffy flower heads in fall that last into winter; excellent for containers

Ornamental Features

Sky Rocket Fountain Grass has masses of beautiful plumes of tan flowers with creamy white overtones rising above the foliage from late summer to mid fall, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its attractive grassy leaves are green in color with prominent white stripes. As an added bonus, the foliage turns a gorgeous brick red in the fall.

Landscape Attributes

Sky Rocket Fountain Grass is an herbaceous perennial grass with a shapely form and gracefully arching stems. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Sky Rocket Fountain Grass is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Mass Planting
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • General Garden Use
  • Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Sky Rocket Fountain Grass will grow to be about 32 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This is a selected variety of a species not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.

Sky Rocket Fountain Grass is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its height, it is often used as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Massing  Rock  Garden  Container 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color  Fall Color  Texture  Plant Form  Winter Value 
Ornamental Features