About
Fast-growing annual grass about 1.5m tall, forming a large clump of broadly strap-shaped, dark green leaves maturing to dark mahogany-purple in summer. Stout, upright, tan to gold bottlebrush-like flower panicles produced on leafy stems in summer, followed by shiny purple seedheads, the seeds are very attractive to birds.
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, Annual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil, planting out in spring when the frosts have passed. See ornamental grasses cultivation
PruningTreat as an annual and remove dead foliage and old flowered stems as plants fade
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free