About
This clump-forming, perennial grass with narrow, flat, arching, fresh green leaves turning golden brown in autumn. Softly hairy, dark-purple-tinged flowerheads are produced 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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toE Asia
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