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Pennisetum setaceum

Pennisetum setaceum
Fountain Grass, African Fountain Grass, Tender Fountain Grass, Purple Fountain Grass

4,1/5
7 reviews
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4 reviews
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Still no cotton swabs in this 2nd year, only herb, disappointed.

Alain, 18/09/2018

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

Cultivated as an annual, this dense grass produces white to beige spikes grouped in silky and trailing panicles. Highly versatile, it is essential in flower beds and potted plants.
Flower size
20 cm
Height at maturity
90 cm
Spread at maturity
70 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -9°C
Soil moisture
Moist soil
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Best planting time April to May
Recommended planting time April to June
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Flowering time July to October
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Description

IMPORTANT: for the preservation of our natural ecosystems and in accordance with European Regulation No. 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species, we have removed this plant from our catalog. It is therefore no longer available for sale.

The Pennisetum setaceum is the feather grass that charms us in the compositions that adorn our cities and villages. This lovely grass forms a dense tuft and is adorned with a never-ending flowering of trailing white to beige spikes. In reality, it is a tender perennial plant, grown as an annual in our climate. Infinitely graceful and highly versatile, it brings a lot of exoticism and elegance to flowerbeds and is a must-have in flower pots, whether in a modern style or in romantic or natural compositions. It thrives in well-drained, moist to dry soil, in full sun.

 

The Pennisetum setaceum is a non-invasive rhizomatous perennial plant native to tropical Africa, East Africa, and the Middle East. It cannot tolerate temperatures below -5°C (23°F) but shows very rapid growth. In our climate, it reaches maturity in a few months from a young plant, allowing it to be grown as an annual. It forms tufts of rough, ribbon-like foliage, slightly arching, reaching a height of 80cm (32in) to 1m (3ft) when in flower, with a width of 60-70cm (24-28in). The flowering period extends from July to October, longer if the autumn is mild. The arching spikes gracefully hang above the foliage, supported by stiff stems. They are composed of tiny white spikelets that turn beige, arranged in narrow paniculate clusters, 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in) in length, with a feathery appearance, covered in long hairs. As they fade, they take on a more blonde hue.

 

The Pennisetum setaceum is a plant that enjoys unparalleled success among professional gardeners. It is versatile, both in its exotic and elegant appearance, as well as its ease of cultivation and undemanding nature. Perfectly suited to coastal areas and drought, it is useful in dry gardens, as well as in flower pots or rockeries. Plant it en masse along pathways, or create romantic displays with autumn-flowering perennials such as asters, hardy chrysanthemums, and Japanese anemones. In a large container, it can be paired with Perilla, thistles, marigolds, and red or fuchsia shrubby salvias. It also makes a good ground cover in mild climates.

Pennisetum setaceum in pictures

Pennisetum setaceum (Flowering) Flowering
Pennisetum setaceum (Foliage) Foliage

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time July to October
Inflorescence Panicle
Flower size 20 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Annual
Foliage colour medium green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 90 cm
Spread at maturity 70 cm
Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Pennisetum

Species

setaceum

Family

Poaceae

Other common names

Fountain Grass, African Fountain Grass, Tender Fountain Grass, Purple Fountain Grass

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference831441

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Planting and care

To grow Pennisetum setaceum, plant them in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. They can also grow in partial shade. The soil should be light and well-draining, even if it's poor or chalky. Once they're established, they can handle dry conditions. If you plant them in a pot, water them more often. Pennisetum setaceum usually grows for one year, but they're delicate perennials that can continue flowering in the autumn and winter if you bring them indoors at the first frost. If you live near the sea, you can grow them outside by mulching well in winter. Prune them lightly in March, or let the frost decorate their faded flower heads.

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Planting period

Best planting time April to May
Recommended planting time April to June

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Container, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -9°C (USDA zone 8b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 5 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Moist soil, draining, light

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Needs to be stored
4,1/5
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