Basil vs Fountain Grass

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Lamiaceae · herbs

EdibleLow Maintenance

Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides

Poaceae · grasses

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Basil (Zones 2-11)

Fountain Grass (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Basil	Fountain Grass
Scientific Name	Ocimum basilicum	Pennisetum alopecuroides
Family	Lamiaceae	Poaceae
Category	herbs	grasses
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	2'	4'
Spread	1'	3'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	White	Pink, Tan
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	India, Southeast Asia	East Asia, Australia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Basil

Yes — EdibleNo — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Fountain Grass

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Basil

✓Pinch flowers to prolong leaf production.
✓Harvest from the top down.
✓Don't refrigerate fresh leaves — they turn black.
✓Plant after all frost danger has passed.

Fountain Grass

✓Cut back to 6 inches in late winter before new growth.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave seed heads for winter interest.
✓Drought tolerant once established.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Basil if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Fountain Grass if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View BasilProfile →View Fountain GrassProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Basil and Fountain Grass grow in the same hardiness zone?

Basil grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Fountain Grass grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Basil and Fountain Grass have the same sun and water needs?

Basil needs full sun and medium water, while Fountain Grass needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Basil or Fountain Grass?

Fountain Grass grows taller at 4' compared to Basil at 2'. Fountain Grass spreads 3' while Basil spreads 1'.

Are Basil and Fountain Grass deer resistant?

Fountain Grass is deer resistant, but Basil is not. If deer are a concern, Fountain Grass is the better choice, or protect Basil with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Basil or Fountain Grass?

Both Basil and Fountain Grass have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Basil	Fountain Grass
Scientific Name	Ocimum basilicum	Pennisetum alopecuroides
Family	Lamiaceae	Poaceae
Category	herbs	grasses
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	2'	4'
Spread	1'	3'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	White	Pink, Tan
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	India, Southeast Asia	East Asia, Australia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Basil

✓Pinch flowers to prolong leaf production.
✓Harvest from the top down.
✓Don't refrigerate fresh leaves — they turn black.
✓Plant after all frost danger has passed.

Fountain Grass

✓Cut back to 6 inches in late winter before new growth.
✓Divide every 3-4 years.
✓Leave seed heads for winter interest.
✓Drought tolerant once established.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Basil if you want a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 2–11.

Choose Fountain Grass if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 5–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Basil and Fountain Grass grow in the same hardiness zone?

Basil grows in USDA zones 2-11, while Fountain Grass grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Basil and Fountain Grass have the same sun and water needs?

Basil needs full sun and medium water, while Fountain Grass needs full sun and medium water. They share similar growing requirements and can be planted in the same bed.

Which grows taller, Basil or Fountain Grass?

Fountain Grass grows taller at 4' compared to Basil at 2'. Fountain Grass spreads 3' while Basil spreads 1'.

Are Basil and Fountain Grass deer resistant?

Fountain Grass is deer resistant, but Basil is not. If deer are a concern, Fountain Grass is the better choice, or protect Basil with fencing.

Which is easier to maintain, Basil or Fountain Grass?

Both Basil and Fountain Grass have low maintenance requirements. They need a similar level of care including regular attention to watering, pruning, and soil health.