Pennisetum x advena 'Fireworks'
Variegated Fountain grass
Also known as Pennisetum setaceum 'Fireworks', Pennisetum 'Fireworks'
- Height × spread
- 0.75m × 0.6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Generally available in Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A showy grass that has long arching stalks. These are coloured burgundy and have a sheeny red edge. Touches of green are also apparent on some stems. It produces furry bottlebrush flowers from midsummer, these are coloured a light, sometimes pinkish brown. It is eye-catching, somewhat untidy in its growth habit, and always intrigues. This is not hardy and needs to be overwintered in a frost-free area. It is well suited to containers, and if kept warm, will continue to flower during winter. Foliage can be cut back in autumn or spring to encourage fresh growth.
- Flower colour
- Brown, Pink
- Foliage colour
- Green, Pink, Red
- Fruit colour
- Brown
- Variegated
- Yes
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.75m
- Spread
- 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Prairie garden, Gravel garden, Exotic garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Use for
- 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 during drought
After three or four weeks without rain, except for drought tolerant plants, those in the ground often get stressed. Adopt the habit of deep-watering one section of the garden each day. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Encourage plants to develop good root systems by giving occasional deep watering. Some plants, such as conifers and heathers, do not show much sign of distress so water these if in doubt.
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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