About
A short, clump-forming grass with bright yellow-gold to pale green foliage. In summer and autumn, small bottle brush-like flowers appear which are green, flecked with purple. These become darker in colour with age.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in light moderately fertile , well drained soil in full sun. In colder areas protect with a winter mulch
PruningCut back dead foliage in the spring, before new growth appears
PropagationPropagate by division in late spring or early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free