Delphinium vs Fountain Grass

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

Delphinium

Delphinium elatum

Ranunculaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantHigh Maintenance

Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides

Poaceae · grasses

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Delphinium (Zones 3-7)

Fountain Grass (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–7

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Delphinium	Fountain Grass
Scientific Name	Delphinium elatum	Pennisetum alopecuroides
Family	Ranunculaceae	Poaceae
Category	flowers	grasses
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	6'	4'
Spread	2'	3'
Bloom Season	Early Summer	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Blue, Purple, White, Pink	Pink, Tan
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia	East Asia, Australia
Maintenance	High	Low

Special Traits

Delphinium

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Fountain Grass

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Delphinium

✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Cut back after first bloom for possible rebloom.
✓Needs cool summers — struggles in heat.
✓Slugs love young growth.
✓All parts are toxic.

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 Delphinium if you don't mind high maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–7.

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 5–7. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

View DelphiniumProfile →View Fountain GrassProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Delphinium grows in USDA zones 3-7, while Fountain Grass grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 7.

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

Delphinium 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, Delphinium or Fountain Grass?

Delphinium grows taller at 6' compared to Fountain Grass at 4'. Delphinium spreads 2' while Fountain Grass spreads 3'.

Are Delphinium and Fountain Grass deer resistant?

Yes, both Delphinium and Fountain Grass are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Delphinium or Fountain Grass?

Delphinium has high maintenance while Fountain Grass has low maintenance. Fountain Grass may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Delphinium	Fountain Grass
Scientific Name	Delphinium elatum	Pennisetum alopecuroides
Family	Ranunculaceae	Poaceae
Category	flowers	grasses
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	6'	4'
Spread	2'	3'
Bloom Season	Early Summer	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Blue, Purple, White, Pink	Pink, Tan
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Europe, Asia	East Asia, Australia
Maintenance	High	Low

Care Tips

Delphinium

✓Stake tall varieties.
✓Cut back after first bloom for possible rebloom.
✓Needs cool summers — struggles in heat.
✓Slugs love young growth.
✓All parts are toxic.

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 Delphinium if you don't mind high maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with medium water in zones 3–7.

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 5–7. They share similar sun requirements (full sun), making them potential garden companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Delphinium grows in USDA zones 3-7, while Fountain Grass grows in zones 5-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 7.

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

Delphinium 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, Delphinium or Fountain Grass?

Delphinium grows taller at 6' compared to Fountain Grass at 4'. Delphinium spreads 2' while Fountain Grass spreads 3'.

Are Delphinium and Fountain Grass deer resistant?

Yes, both Delphinium and Fountain Grass are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Delphinium or Fountain Grass?

Delphinium has high maintenance while Fountain Grass has low maintenance. Fountain Grass may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.