First Knight Portfolio Fountain Grass

About this plant

Elevate your garden's aesthetic with the 'First Knight Portfolio' Fountain Grass, a stunning hybrid celebrated for its exceptionally dark, almost black foliage that maintains its rich color even in intense summer sun. Its upright, arching habit forms a graceful fountain-like mound, providing dynamic texture and a striking contrast against lighter plantings. From late summer through fall, enjoy a spectacular display of fluffy, purple-red flower plumes that dance in the breeze, adding movement and a touch of drama. This drought-tolerant and heat-loving Pennisetum is an excellent choice for adding depth and sophistication to borders, mass plantings, or as an impactful specimen in containers. Whether you're crafting a contemporary design or enhancing a more traditional setting, 'First Knight' offers enduring beauty and low-maintenance elegance. Its robust nature and captivating appearance make it a true standout in the premium collection at A Cut Above.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires minimal maintenance once established. Cut back dead foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Tolerates a range of soil types but prefers well-drained conditions. Fertilize lightly in spring if desired.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.