Landscape Uses
Style Tags
South Florida Growing Guide
Light Requirements
Water Requirements
Once established (12–18 months), Red Fountain Grass is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Low-moderate water. 1-2x per week dry season once established. Very drought tolerant once established.
Soil and Fertilization
Fertilizer: Balanced slow-release 8-2-12. Low maintenance grass.
Schedule: February (after pruning) and September balanced fertilizer.
Salt Tolerance
- Mature Height
- 3–5 ft
- Mature Width
- 2–3 ft
- Growth Rate
- fast
- Water Demand
- 2/10
- Florida Grade
- Florida #1
- Installed Cost
- $
- USDA Zones
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11
- FLEPPC Status
- None
- Iguana Rating
- 7/10
Where to Buy in South Florida
Find Red Fountain Grass at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast does Red Fountain Grass grow in South Florida?
Red Fountain Grass has a fast growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.
Is Red Fountain Grass safe for pets?
Yes, Red Fountain Grass is considered pet-safe.
How much water does Red Fountain Grass need in South Florida?
Low water needs (2/10). Once established (12–18 months), Red Fountain Grass is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.
Can Red Fountain Grass tolerate salt air in South Florida?
Red Fountain Grass has moderate salt tolerance (5/10). It can handle some coastal exposure but should be protected from direct ocean spray.
Is Red Fountain Grass available in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, Red Fountain Grass is classified as: allowed. Allowed — sterile 'Rubrum' cultivar.
County Availability in South Florida
Miami-Dade County
Allowed — sterile 'Rubrum' cultivar. IMPORTANT: Verify 'Rubrum' cultivar (purple-red leaves) — NOT green P.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.
View County Guide →Broward County
Allowed — sterile cultivar. Verify burgundy-red leaf color at purchase.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.
View County Guide →Palm Beach County
Allowed — sterile cultivar. Cold sensitive below 28°F — may die back in severe freeze.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.
View County Guide →Collier County
Allowed — sterile cultivar. Very common in Naples area landscapes.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.
View County Guide →Monroe County
Allowed — sterile cultivar. Good Keys performance.
✓ Coastal OK
USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.
View County Guide →Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.
Need a Spec Sheet?
Export a client-ready PDF with Florida Grade specs, county legal status, maintenance schedule, and failure risks. Available to Professional subscribers.
Ask about Red Fountain Grass
Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.