Karley Rose Fountain Grass
Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose'
Karley Rose Fountain Grass, Ready to Plant
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- Smoky rose-pink plumes bloom early summer through fall, deepening to burgundy foliage in autumn
- Reaches 24-36 inches tall; ideal for borders, accents, containers, and dried arrangements
- Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established; thrives in full sun and average soil
About this plant
Karley Rose fountain grass is a warm-season ornamental grass that delivers smoky rose-pink plumes all summer through fall. At 24-36 inches tall, it's perfect for mixed perennial borders, mass plantings, and containers. Deer-resistant and drought-tolerant once established, it thrives in full sun and adapts to average, sandy, or loamy soils.
Your plant arrives in a nursery container, ready to transplant. Plant on arrival or within a few days in spring through summer. Water deeply after planting and keep soil consistently moist for the first 2-3 weeks while roots establish. Once established, it tolerates moderate drought. In colder zones, mulch before winter for best cold protection.
Karley Rose Fountain Grass at a glance
| Botanical name | Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose' |
|---|---|
| Plant type | warm-season ornamental grass, herbaceous perennial (grown as annual in colder zones) |
| USDA zones | 6-9 (some sources list 5-9 with winter mulch protection) |
| Mature height | 24-36 inches (foliage mound plus flower plumes; plumes can push total height toward 30-36 in) |
| Mature width | 24-30 inches |
| Sun | full sun; tolerates very light afternoon shade in hot climates |
| Water | moderate; regular water until established, then moderate to somewhat drought tolerant |
| Bloom time | early summer through fall, often reblooming; typically June to frost in warm climates |
| Bloom color | smoky rose-pink to purplish-pink plumes, fading to beige/tan |
| Growth rate | moderate, roughly 6-12 inches of growth per year to reach mature clump size over 2-3 seasons |
| Deer resistance | good (deer generally avoid ornamental grasses) |
| Best planting time | spring, after last frost, to allow root establishment before summer heat |
Container sizes explained
| Quart / QT | A 4 inch pot, roughly one quart of soil. A young starter plant, the most economical way to buy several. |
|---|---|
| #2 / 2 Gallon | A trade two gallon pot. Common for peonies and perennials that need root room; usually blooms the first or second year. |
Questions before you buy
Which size should I choose?
The quart size is a smaller plant; the #2 container offers a larger, more established specimen. Both reach the same mature 24-36 inch height and spread over time.
When should I plant it after arrival?
Plant immediately or within a few days of receiving it. Spring through summer is ideal. Water deeply after planting and keep the soil consistently moist for the first 2-3 weeks to help roots establish.
How big does Karley Rose fountain grass get?
Mature plants reach 24-36 inches tall (including flower plumes) and 24-30 inches wide. From a nursery-grown division, expect full size in 2-3 growing seasons. First-year growth is typically 6-12 inches as the clump builds.
How much sun does it need?
Karley Rose thrives in full sun (6+ hours daily). In very hot climates, it tolerates light afternoon shade. Full sun produces the best flowering and most vibrant foliage color.
What hardiness zones does it grow in?
Karley Rose is hardy in USDA zones 6-9 and is grown as an annual in colder regions. Gardeners in zone 5 may succeed with winter mulch protection. In zone 9 and warmer, provide afternoon shade in peak heat.
What's the first-year care like?
Keep the soil consistently moist until roots establish, roughly 2-3 weeks. After that, water moderately and let soil dry slightly between waterings. Once established, it tolerates moderate drought well. Avoid overwatering, which can rot the crown.