About
A clump-forming grass with narrow, green leaves to 60cm, turning gold in autumn and buff in winter. Smoky, dark red, bottlebrush flowers are produced in mid to late summer, turning brown in autumn and often lasting through winter.
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
AspectWest-facing, South-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, Gravel garden, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Prairie planting
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. May need winter protection in colder areas. See ornamental grasses cultivation
PruningRemove dead foliage and old flowered stems in early spring
PropagationPropagate division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free