About

This neat, clump-forming, compact deciduous grass with fresh green foliage. Dark red flowers appear in the summer and 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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeGrass Like, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants

Care notes

CultivationGrow in a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun
PruningCut back to the ground in late February before new growth starts
PropagationPropagate by division in late spring or early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free