Fountain Grass vs Sedum (Stonecrop)

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

Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides

Poaceae · grasses

Deer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Sedum spp.

Crassulaceae · groundcovers

EdibleDeer ResistantDrought TolerantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Fountain Grass (Zones 5-9)

Sedum (Stonecrop) (Zones 3-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Fountain Grass	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Pennisetum alopecuroides	Sedum spp.
Family	Poaceae	Crassulaceae
Category	grasses	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained, Poor
Height	4'	6"
Spread	3'	2'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, Tan	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	East Asia, Australia	Northern Hemisphere
Maintenance	Low	Low

Special Traits

Fountain Grass

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — Drought Tolerant

Sedum (Stonecrop)

Yes — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantYes — 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.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

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 Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

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

View Fountain GrassProfile →View Sedum (Stonecrop)Profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Fountain Grass and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Fountain Grass grows in USDA zones 5-9, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Fountain Grass and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

Fountain Grass needs full sun and medium water, while Sedum (Stonecrop) needs full sun and low water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Fountain Grass or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Fountain Grass grows taller at 4' compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Fountain Grass spreads 3' while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Fountain Grass and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Fountain Grass or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Both Fountain Grass and Sedum (Stonecrop) 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	Sedum (Stonecrop)
Scientific Name	Pennisetum alopecuroides	Sedum spp.
Family	Poaceae	Crassulaceae
Category	grasses	groundcovers
Sun	☀️ Full Sun	☀️ Full Sun
Water	💧💧 Medium	💧 Low
Soil	Well-drained	Well-drained, Poor
Height	4'	6"
Spread	3'	2'
Bloom Season	Summer-Fall	Summer
Bloom Color	Pink, Tan	Yellow, Pink, White
Growth Rate	Fast	Fast
Native Region	East Asia, Australia	Northern Hemisphere
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.

Sedum (Stonecrop)

✓Needs very little water once established.
✓Thrives in poor soil.
✓Break off stems and press into soil to propagate.
✓Great for green roofs and rock walls.

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 Sedum (Stonecrop) if you want a low-maintenance plant, need drought tolerance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun with low water in zones 3–9.

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 Fountain Grass and Sedum (Stonecrop) grow in the same hardiness zone?

Fountain Grass grows in USDA zones 5-9, while Sedum (Stonecrop) grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Fountain Grass and Sedum (Stonecrop) have the same sun and water needs?

Fountain Grass needs full sun and medium water, while Sedum (Stonecrop) needs full sun and low water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Fountain Grass or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

Fountain Grass grows taller at 4' compared to Sedum (Stonecrop) at 6". Fountain Grass spreads 3' while Sedum (Stonecrop) spreads 2'.

Are Fountain Grass and Sedum (Stonecrop) deer resistant?

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

Which is easier to maintain, Fountain Grass or Sedum (Stonecrop)?

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