About
A clump-forming tufted perennial grass to 60cm in height, with arching, linear leaves and hairy, narrow, grey-mauve panicles 10-14cm in length, like soft bottle-brushes.
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
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toNW Africa to SW Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. May need winter protection in colder areas
PruningRemove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring or by division in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free