About
Densely tufted, spreading evergreen perennial grass about 1.5m tall, with narrow, mid-green leaves and tall, upright, panicles of pinkish-beige spikelets, to 30cm long, 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
HabitClump forming, Tufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. May need winter protection in colder areas where pennisetum is short-lived. See ornamental grasses cultivation
PruningRemove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
PropagationPropagate by division in spring or early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free