Pennisetum villosum
Abyssinian feathertop, Feathertop
Also known as Pennisetum longistylum
- Height × spread
- 0.45m × 0.6m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- Flowers
- Summer, Autumn
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A lovely grass that is generally grown as an annual as it is doubtfully hardy. It has fine arching green foliage making clumps, from which slender stalks hold the flower heads. These are coloured beige with a hint of pink and appear, in profusion, in late summer. The thick woolly looking heads are likened to bumblebees that have been dusted in flower. The flowering stems arch downwards with the weight, and sway and move, catching the light and appearing extremely attractive. It stands around 45cm high with a spread of 60cm. It enjoys well drained limey soil in a sunny spot that is warm and sheltered. An amazing front of the border plant.
- Flower colour
- Beige, Pink
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Beige
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.45m
- Spread
- 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Prairie garden, Gravel garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Hardiness
- Mild winter to -5C (RHS H3)
- 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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