Pennisetum 'Etouffee' is a graceful ornamental grass known for its soft arching foliage and feathery pink plumes that emerge in late summer and persist into fall. With a warm season growth habit this cultivar adds texture, motion, and seasonal interest to sunny garden beds and borders. It remains upright through winter providing structural value and habitat for wildlife.
Height & Spread: 30 - 36 in x 24 - 30 in
Bloom Time: Late summer to fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Prefers moderately fertile, well drained soils
Watering Needs: Low to moderate once established
Deer Resistance: Rarely browsed by deer due to coarse foliage
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from selections of warm season ornamental grasses and is not native to North America but performs well in temperate garden climates.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- The seed heads attract finches and sparrows in fall and winter while the dense clumps offer shelter for ground dwelling species.
Beneficial Insects
- Provides cover and microhabitats for predatory beetles and overwintering pollinators in grassy bases.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 24 - 30 in apart to allow for airy growth and minimize crowding in mass plantings.
Landscape Placement:
- Use as a soft vertical accent in mixed borders, mass plantings, or as a naturalistic drift along walkways and slopes.
Companion Plants
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Cloudlike blue blooms and silver foliage complement the warm tones of the grass.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Bright yellow mounded foliage contrasts with the fine texture of grass.
- Stachys byzantina (Lambs Ear) - Velvety silver foliage provides low growing contrast and soft edging below grass tufts.
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' - Bold magenta blooms create upright structure alongside feathery grass tufts.
- Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna' - Deep purple spires offer a dramatic counterpoint to the airy pink plumes of Pennisetum.