Fountain Grass vs Kale

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

Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides

Poaceae · grasses

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Kale

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

Brassicaceae · vegetables

EdibleDeer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Fountain Grass (Zones 5-9)

Kale (Zones 2-11)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Fountain Grass	Kale
Scientific Name	Pennisetum alopecuroides	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family	Poaceae	Brassicaceae
Category	grasses	vegetables
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	4'	2'
Spread	3'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring, Fall, Winter
Bloom Color	Pink, Tan	Yellow (second year)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	East Asia, Australia	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Fountain Grass

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Kale

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

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.

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View Fountain GrassProfile →View KaleProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

Fountain Grass needs full sun and medium water, while Kale needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Fountain Grass or Kale?

Fountain Grass grows taller at 4' compared to Kale at 2'. Fountain Grass spreads 3' while Kale spreads 1' 6".

Are Fountain Grass and Kale deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Fountain Grass or Kale?

Both Fountain Grass and Kale 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	Fountain Grass	Kale
Scientific Name	Pennisetum alopecuroides	Brassica oleracea var. sabellica
Family	Poaceae	Brassicaceae
Category	grasses	vegetables
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Well-drained	Rich, Well-drained
Height	4'	2'
Spread	3'	1' 6"
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Spring, Fall, Winter
Bloom Color	Pink, Tan	Yellow (second year)
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	East Asia, Australia	Mediterranean
Maintenance	Low	Low

Care Tips

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.

Kale

✓Direct sow or transplant.
✓Harvest outer leaves for continuous production.
✓Frost improves flavor.
✓Resistant to many pests.
✓Can overwinter in zones 6+ with protection.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

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.

Choose Kale if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 2–11.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

Fountain Grass needs full sun and medium water, while Kale needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Fountain Grass or Kale?

Fountain Grass grows taller at 4' compared to Kale at 2'. Fountain Grass spreads 3' while Kale spreads 1' 6".

Are Fountain Grass and Kale deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Fountain Grass or Kale?

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