About
An upright, clump-forming grass to around 1m tall with arching, narrow, greenleaves that turn rich shades of orange and yellow in autumn. Pink-flushed pale brown, hairyflowers are borne in bottlebrush-like heads on tall stems from summer into 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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Patio and container plants, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel 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