Overview
Pennisetum orientale is a tufted grass like in the genus Pennisetum, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous 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 orientale grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. It is low maintenance. 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 North West Asia and North Africa.
About
Cenchrus orientale, previously Pennisetum orientale, commonly known as the oriental fountain grass, is a species of flowering plant in the grass family Poaceae, native to North West Asia and North Africa. Growing to 60 cm (24 in) tall and broad, this decorative perennial grass forms clumps with multiple tufted panicles up to 14 cm (5.5 in) in length. The panicles are pale pink, maturing to brown. The plant is not entirely hardy, disliking prolonged freezing temperatures. It grows to around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and west-facing and south-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cenchrus orientalis
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 orientale size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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
- North West Asia, North Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pennisetum orientale
- Cultivation
- Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; dislikes prolonged freezing temperatures; suitable for sheltered locations.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- 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 orientale?
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels; dislikes prolonged freezing temperatures; suitable for sheltered locations.
Where is the best place to plant Pennisetum orientale?
Pennisetum orientale prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pennisetum orientale need?
Pennisetum orientale 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 orientale?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
How big does Pennisetum orientale grow?
Pennisetum orientale 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 orientale hardy in the UK?
Pennisetum orientale 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 orientale?
Seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring, Division in spring or early summer.