Overview
Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose' 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 'Karley Rose' 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.
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 'Karley Rose' 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 'Karley Rose'
- 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
Where is the best place to plant Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose'?
Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose' need?
Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose' 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 big does Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose' grow?
Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose' 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 'Karley Rose' hardy in the UK?
Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose' 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 'Karley Rose'?
Seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring, Division in spring or early summer.