Moudry - Dwarf Fountain Grass

Moudry is a clump-forming fountain grass with arching green leaves and distinctive deep purple to nearly black bottlebrush plumes that emerge later than those of many fountain grasses. Its late-season flowers and dark seed heads bring movement and contrast to sunny borders, prairie-style plantings, or a specimen planting. The [Chicago Botanic Garden profile](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/pennisetum-alopecuroides-moudry-moudry-black-seeded-fountain-grass) describes the cultivar's late-summer flowers and notes that birds use its seeds. ## Garden Use The foliage forms a rounded hummock about 2½–3 feet tall and wide, with upright flower stems rising above it. The dark plumes appear several weeks later than those of the species and persist into autumn. Plant in full sun, allowing room for the leaves to arch outward. ## Growing Conditions Use well-drained soil and give the clump a sunny position; it tolerates some shade but may flower less there. It is listed for USDA Zones 5–9 by the Chicago Botanic Garden and the [North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cenchrus-alopecuroides-moudry/). Wisconsin Extension cautions that Moudry can self-seed freely in warmer climates and may be less hardy at the cold edge of its range. Once established, fountain grass tolerates dry periods. ## Seasonal Care The foliage is slow to resume growth in spring. Leave the clump standing over winter, then cut old growth back before new shoots appear. Remove unwanted seed heads where seedlings would be difficult to manage. ## Maintenance Cut back old foliage in late winter or early spring. Divide the clump when its center becomes open; monitor seedlings in warm regions.