Overview
Pennisetum orientale 'Tall Tails' is a garden plant in the genus Cenchrus, part of the Poaceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 metres tall.
About
Pennisetum orientale 'Tall Tails' is a clump-forming ornamental grass prized for its long, tufted flower panicles. The flower heads are pale pink, ageing to brown, and the plant reaches about 60 cm tall and wide. It flowers from July to September and benefits from a sheltered position with some winter protection in colder locations.
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
In the garden
Pennisetum orientale 'Tall Tails' belongs to the grass family Poaceae (genus Cenchrus) and originates from north-west Asia and north Africa. It forms neat clumps to roughly 60 cm in height and spread, producing multiple tufted panicles that may reach around 14 cm in length. The cultivar has been recognised with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Sit this grass where its fountain-like flowerheads can be seen close to eye level: in the middle of a mixed border, at the front of a terrace bed, or grown in a container on a sheltered patio. It flowers from July to September, so position it where the late-summer display will be visible from seating or pathways. The plant dislikes prolonged freezing temperatures, so give it a sheltered aspect and provide winter protection in colder parts of the UK; in containers this can mean moving plants under cover, and in the ground a mulch or windproof barrier will reduce exposure. The long, pale-pink panicles are a defining feature and remain the focal point of the clump during the July–September season.
Plant details
Pennisetum orientale 'Tall Tails' size, habit and characteristics
- Height
- 0.6 metres
Frequently asked questions
How big does Pennisetum orientale 'Tall Tails' grow?
Pennisetum orientale 'Tall Tails' reaches a height of 0.6 metres.
