Fountain Grass

About this plant

Standing tall with upright, arching form, Pennisetum hybrid 'First Knight' Portfolio is a showstopper in any landscape. Its deep burgundy to near-black foliage provides a striking contrast, maintaining its intense color throughout the growing season. This selection from the Royal Collection Portfolio series is known for its robust growth and consistent performance. Adding further allure, delicate, feathery plumes emerge in late summer, rising above the dark leaves. These soft, reddish-purple inflorescences sway gently in the breeze, creating a captivating visual and auditory experience. Ideal for adding architectural interest, 'First Knight' is perfect as a specimen plant, in mass plantings, or integrated into mixed borders and container arrangements. Its rich color makes it a fantastic backdrop for brighter flowering plants.

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

Fountain Grass 'First Knight' is relatively low-maintenance. Cut back foliage to about 6-12 inches in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Avoid cutting back in fall, as the dried foliage provides winter interest. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.

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.