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 an 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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Nafray Fountain Grass is regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Nafray Fountain Grass after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Nafray Fountain Grass with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and tropical climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.