Dill vs Fountain Grass

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

Dill

Anethum graveolens

Apiaceae · herbs

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides

Poaceae · grasses

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Dill (Zones 2-11)

Fountain Grass (Zones 5-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Dill	Fountain Grass
Scientific Name	Anethum graveolens	Pennisetum alopecuroides
Family	Apiaceae	Poaceae
Category	herbs	grasses
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	3'	4'
Spread	1'	3'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Yellow	Pink, Tan
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Mediterranean	East Asia, Australia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Dill

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Fountain Grass

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Dill

✓Direct sow — dill doesn't transplant well due to taproot.
✓Succession plant every 3 weeks.
✓Let some plants go to seed for self-sowing and for harvest.
✓Attracts swallowtail butterflies.

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 Dill if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. 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 DillProfile →View Fountain GrassProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Dill 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 Dill and Fountain Grass have the same sun and water needs?

Dill 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, Dill or Fountain Grass?

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

Are Dill and Fountain Grass deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Dill or Fountain Grass?

Both Dill 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	Dill	Fountain Grass
Scientific Name	Anethum graveolens	Pennisetum alopecuroides
Family	Apiaceae	Poaceae
Category	herbs	grasses
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained
Height	3'	4'
Spread	1'	3'
Bloom Season	Summer	Summer-Fall
Bloom Color	Yellow	Pink, Tan
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	Mediterranean	East Asia, Australia
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

Dill

✓Direct sow — dill doesn't transplant well due to taproot.
✓Succession plant every 3 weeks.
✓Let some plants go to seed for self-sowing and for harvest.
✓Attracts swallowtail butterflies.

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 Dill if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. 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 Dill and Fountain Grass grow in the same hardiness zone?

Dill 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 Dill and Fountain Grass have the same sun and water needs?

Dill 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, Dill or Fountain Grass?

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

Are Dill and Fountain Grass deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Dill or Fountain Grass?

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