About
Tall, clump-forming, deciduous, perennial grass about 1.5-2m in height, with arching, linear, light green leaves and softly bottlebrush-like, long, narrow, ivory-white spikelets in panicles at least 14cm long, often pendent, flowering in mid and late summer.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. May need winter protection in colder areas where pennisetum may be short-lived. See ornamental grasses cultivation
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 or early summer. May self-seed in warmer areas.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free