Overview
Pennisetum villosum is a tufted grass like in the genus Pennisetum, part of the Poaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Pennisetum villosum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. 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 Northeastern Africa and Arabian Peninsula.
About
Cenchrus longisetus, previously Pennisetum villosum, is a species of flowering plant in the family Poaceae, known by the common name feathertop grass or just feathertop. It is native to northeastern Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula, and it is grown elsewhere as an ornamental plant. It can sometimes be found growing wild where it has escaped cultivation. This is a perennial grass growing in rhizomatous clumps, producing erect stems up to about 75 centimeters tall. It grows to around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. Grow it in full sun and most soil types. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Cenchrus longisetus
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
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Pennisetum villosum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Grass Like
- Habit
- Tufted
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 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
- Northeastern Africa, Arabian Peninsula
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Pennisetum villosum
- Cultivation
- Grow in full sun in well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for sheltered locations. Propagate by seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring or by division in spring or early summer.
- Pruning
- Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
- 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
How do I grow Pennisetum villosum?
Grow in full sun in well-drained soil. Tolerates a range of soil types and pH levels. Suitable for sheltered locations. Propagate by seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring or by division in spring or early summer.
Where is the best place to plant Pennisetum villosum?
Pennisetum villosum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Pennisetum villosum need?
Pennisetum villosum 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 do I prune Pennisetum villosum?
Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth.
How big does Pennisetum villosum grow?
Pennisetum villosum reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Pennisetum villosum hardy in the UK?
Pennisetum villosum 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 villosum?
Seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring, Division in spring or early summer.