Pennisetum alopecuroïdes Hameln Gold - Chinese Fountain Grass

The Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln Gold' is a new variety of grass with bright lemon-yellow to golden foliage, which is very fine and does not scorch in the sun. A hybrid of the 'Hameln' cultivar, this grass has a more compact habit and less abundant flowering than its parent but compensates with its vibrant foliage. This hardy perennial will flower even in cooler climates, starting in July, with large, silky, plump and gracefully arching cream-coloured to brown-tinged flower heads. It can be planted throughout annual and perennial borders, in rock gardens, or in large containers on a patio.

Pennisetum alopecuroides is a type of grass found in Northeast Asia and Australia. It belongs to the Poaceae family. This grass comes from the 'Hameln Gold' grass and grows up to 35-40 cm (14-16in) tall and wide. It has trailing leaves that start with a unique acidic yellow and turn golden yellow. During summer, flowering culms grow from the vegetation and bear silky flower heads from July to September. These flower heads are arranged in dense panicles 10-15 cm (4-6in) long. The colour changes from green-white in spring to beige-brown-white in September-October. The stems and foliage turn straw-yellow and orange in the sunlight, and the plant looks decorative with frost in winter.

This grass looks great when planted among slightly upright perennials, like dahlias or perovskias. It also pairs well with more wandering and lightweight plants, like yarrows, Verbena bonariensis, Californian poppies, or eupatoriums. Pennisetum alopecuroides are hardy grasses that can withstand summer drought and add movement to borders when placed among rocks in a rock garden or on a wall. These grasses look great even in low light and can highlight all perspectives transparently, even in the smallest of gardens. In a meadow or along a path, experience their silky flower heads. Pennisetum also limits erosion through its dense root system.