Overview
Pennisetum orientale 'Fairy Tails' is a clump-forming, tufted grass in the genus Cenchrus, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Pennisetum orientale 'Fairy Tails' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers and ornamental grass. 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.
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.
Wikipedia contributors, "Cenchrus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cenchrus
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cenchrus
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Pennisetum orientale 'Fairy Tails' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass
- Habit
- Clump-forming, Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- borders, containers, ornamental grass
- Native to
- North West Asia, North Africa
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pennisetum orientale 'Fairy Tails'
- Cultivation
- Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates drought once established. Protect from strong winds.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
- Propagation
- Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Pennisetum orientale 'Fairy Tails'?
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates drought once established. Protect from strong winds.
Where is the best place to plant Pennisetum orientale 'Fairy Tails'?
Pennisetum orientale 'Fairy Tails' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pennisetum orientale 'Fairy Tails' need?
Pennisetum orientale 'Fairy Tails' grows best in well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Pennisetum orientale 'Fairy Tails'?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
Is Pennisetum orientale 'Fairy Tails' hardy in the UK?
Pennisetum orientale 'Fairy Tails' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Pennisetum orientale 'Fairy Tails'?
Division in spring.
More in the Cenchrus genus
- Pennisetum 'Fairy Tails'Fairy Tails Fountain Grass
- Pennisetum orientale 'Tall Tails'Oriental Fountain Grass
- Pennisetum alop. 'Karley Rose'
- Pennisetum villosa