About
A clump-forming, perennial grass to about 90cm with narrow, arching, lime green leaves topped with soft, bottlebrush flowerheads from mid-summer to late autumn. These open green with a reddish tinge, becoming purple to black.
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 typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. May need winter protection in colder areas
PruningRemove dead foliage and old, flowered stems in spring
PropagationPropagate by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free