About
A grass forming a dense clump of narrow leaves to 60cm long, turning pale brown in winter, with tall stems bearing softly hairy, oblong, green to purple inflorescences in late summer and early autumn.
About the genus
Pennisetum can be annual or perennial, evergreen or deciduous grasses, clump-forming or spreading in habit, with linear leaves and narrow flowering panicles with conspicuous bristles
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toSE Asia to Australia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. May need winter protection in colder areas
PruningRemove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free