An Australian-bred selection of the native swamp foxtail forming neat green clumps topped with fluffy purple-bronze bottlebrush plumes. Tough, low-care and sterile-flowering, making it a safer choice than the weedy species.
At a glance
- Plant type: Ornamental grass
- Mature size: 70 cm H × 60 cm W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Nafray Fountain Grass
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Nafray' is a fast-growing ornamental grass in the Poaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 70 cm tall and 60 cm wide at maturity, with deciduous foliage. Purple flowers appear in summer and autumn.
Where to grow Nafray Fountain Grass
Nafray Fountain Grass suits tropical, subtropical, warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters.
Soil & planting
Nafray Fountain Grass does best in clay and sandy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Nafray Fountain Grass does best with regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Nafray Fountain Grass after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level is low maintenance.
Using Nafray Fountain Grass in the garden
Nafray Fountain Grass earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, holding soil on banks and slopes and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same regular, moderate watering and tropical climate as Nafray Fountain Grass. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Nafray Fountain Grass
Plant Sale lists Nafray Fountain Grass as potted plants. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
