Pennisetum alopecuroides
Fountain grass, Swamp foxtail grass, Chinese pennisetum, Chikara shiba
Also known as Pennisetum compressum, Pennisteum japonicum
- Height × spread
- 0.9m × 0.75m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Generally available in Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A beautiful arching grass with very long, pendulous leaves that cascade attractively out from the clump. The flowers have been likened to caterpillars, though cuddly caterpillars with fuzzy pink brown fur, perched on long, waving stalks. This plant gives a lovely soft effect in a well drained spot in a waterside planting. It's also recommended for planting alongside paths or drives where the long season of foliage and flowering interest is well utilised. It's one of those interesting plants that seem comfortable in both urban and rural settings. It works well in a large garden planted against a path that marks the transition between structured and informal areas.
- Flower colour
- Brown, Pink
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Autumn foliage
- Orange-yellow
- Fruit colour
- Beige
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.9m
- Spread
- 0.75m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Prairie garden, Gravel garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- Ground cover, Bird attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring - late · Planting
Divide when too large
When the plant is too large clumps may be divided into two or more pieces. Rhizomes can be cut, whilst small bulbs or offsets are detached. The new plants can be grown in a container or planted in the ground.
Winter
Winter - mid-late · Planting
Prune to the ground in winter
Cut foliage to the ground before new growth starts in spring.
Where stems are grown for ornamental value, they should be removed either before new growth starts in spring, or during winter when they begin to look ragged or untidy.
Found in
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