About
This clump-forming grass to around 1m tall with narrow, arching green leaves. From summer into autumn, tall stems bear dark purple to black flowers on bottlebrush-like heads.
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 moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. May need winter protection in colder areas. See ornamental grasses cultivation
PruningRemove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free