Pennisetum alopecuroïdes 'Red Head'

The Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head' is a particularly decorative grass with flower heads that change from silvery pink to purplish pink to brown. Attractive from spring to autumn, this grass forms a beautiful fountain of delicate foliage that takes on lovely autumnal colours. Hardy and adaptable, this excellent variety is suitable for borders, rock gardens, or patios when planted in a large container.

The Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head' is a horticultural creation. Its wild ancestor, the fountain grass, is a grass native to a sizeable northeastern region of Asia and Australia that belongs to the large family of Poaceae. The 'Red Head' fountain grass evokes a fountain of slender leaves and spikes that reach a height of 70-80 cm (28-32in). The tuft of leaves comprises very slender, trailing, glaucous green leaves. The flowering culms emerge from the foliage towards the end of summer, in August-September. This plant is known for its unique flower heads of silky, silvery spikelets arranged in pink tassels. These tassels turn pink to brown and measure 10 to 15 cm long. The plant's leaves change colour in the autumn, taking on shades of yellow, golden blond, and cinnamon. Even in the winter, it remains decorative when the plant is covered in frost. In the spring, new green foliage appears on the plant.

This 'Red Head' variety adds a touch of delicacy to a landscape when paired with both rigid and light plants such as yarrow, Verbena bonariensis, California poppies, or eupatoriums.

Pennisetum alopecuroides are very hardy and water-efficient grasses that bring movement to borders, wisely placed between the stones of a rock garden or on a wall. These grasses are particularly beautiful in low light, and are perfect for small gardens, flower meadows, or paths. They have a unique radiance that highlights their beauty from every angle. Additionally, their spikes are soft and silky to the touch, making them a sensory delight. They pair beautifully with euphorbias, heart-leaved or heath aster, and echinaceas. The Pennisetum plant helps prevent soil erosion because of its robust root system.