Overview
Pennisetum macrourum is a bushy grass like in the genus Pennisetum, part of the Poaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Pennisetum macrourum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. It is drought resistant. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, patio and container plants, cut flowers and flower borders and beds. It is native to South Africa.
About
Pennisetum macrourum, commonly known as African feather grass, is a bushy, evergreen grass-like plant from the Poaceae family. It typically grows to a height and spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size within 2 to 5 years. This drought-resistant cultivar thrives in full sun with a west or south-facing aspect and prefers sheltered conditions. It adapts well to various soil types, including chalk, loam, and sand, across a range of pH levels, provided the soil is well-drained. It offers year-round interest through all seasons.
About the genus
Cenchrus is a widespread genus of plants in the grass family, native to tropical and warm temperate regions of the world. Its species are native to many countries in Asia, Africa, Australia, the Americas, and various oceanic islands.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Pennisetum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Pennisetum macrourum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- South Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pennisetum macrourum
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging; can be grown in containers or garden beds; minimal feeding required.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring, Division in spring or early summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Pennisetum macrourum?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established; avoid waterlogging; can be grown in containers or garden beds; minimal feeding required.
Where is the best place to plant Pennisetum macrourum?
Pennisetum macrourum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pennisetum macrourum need?
Pennisetum macrourum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Pennisetum macrourum?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Pennisetum macrourum grow?
Pennisetum macrourum reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Pennisetum macrourum hardy in the UK?
Pennisetum macrourum has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Pennisetum macrourum?
Seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring, Division in spring or early summer.