Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Grass Like
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
°Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»åpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Purple | Yellow | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or °Â±ð²õ³Ù–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Pennisetum can be annual or perennial, evergreen or deciduous grasses, clump-forming or spreading in habit, with linear leaves and narrow flowering panicles with conspicuous bristles
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. May need winter protection in colder areas
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Cut flowers
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'
Chinese fountain grass 'Hameln'
at the RHS plant Shop
Get involved
The RHS is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.