Pennisetum alopecuroides Moudry

Moudry Pennisetum

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’
Moudry Black Fountain Grass / Black-Seeded Fountain Grass

‘Moudry’ is a warm-season ornamental grass perennial with dense, arching green foliage and distinctive dark purple to nearly black, bottlebrush-like flower plumes. The plumes appear in late summer, rise just above the foliage, and age to silvery-tan for fall and winter interest. The foliage turns golden-yellow in fall, giving the plant good late-season color before drying to tan. It has a graceful fountain-shaped habit and is especially valued for its darker seed heads compared with many other fountain grasses.

Type: Warm-season ornamental grass / perennial
Mature Size: 2–3 ft. wide × 2–3 ft. tall
USDA Zones: 5a–9b; some sources list 6a–9b
Form: Dense, arching, fountain-shaped clump
Light: Full sun to part shade; best flowering and strongest form in full sun
Soil / Water: Average, well-drained soil; average water, drought tolerant once established; avoid wet winter soil
Bloom Time / Length: Late summer into fall; dark purple-black plumes often remain attractive into winter.
Wildlife: Seed heads may attract birds; dense clumps provide seasonal cover for small wildlife

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for mass plantings, borders, foundation beds, entry plantings, perennial gardens, low screens, slopes, and containers. ‘Moudry’ is especially effective when planted in groups where the dark plumes can create a bold late-season display. It pairs well with coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, asters, sedums, alliums, catmint, and golden or burgundy foliage plants.

Care:
Cut old foliage back to a few inches above the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Avoid heavy fertilizer, which can cause floppy growth. Divide in spring when clumps become too large or centers begin to thin. In some regions, ‘Moudry’ can reseed more than other fountain grasses, so remove seed heads before they mature if self-seeding is a concern.

Plant type

Ornamental Grass

Height

2-3'

Width

2-3'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Average, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Mass Planting

Shape

Arching, Dense

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes