About
Deciduous, clump-forming perennial grass about 80-90cm tall, with graceful, narrow dark green leaves, turning yellow-gold in autumn. Dark red, fluffy flowerheads, produced from mid summer, on dainty narrow stems, fade to beige with age.
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
HabitClump forming, Tufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity 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 is 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
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free