Pennisetum villosum
feathertop
Pennisetum villosum is a deciduous, perennial grass with fine leaves that form a loosely tufted bunch in spring.
The greeny-white, wheat-like flowers emerge from this clump in mid summer and these are the real stars of the show. They float like little clouds above the foliage, catching the breeze and bobbing about. Their fluffy texture will soften surrounding planting schemes and they look particularly good when the sun catches them from behind.
A great plant for a sensory garden as you can't help but want to touch it. A native of North Eastern tropical Africa, Pennisetum villosum is not fully hardy and may not survive the winter in colder areas, so are often grown as an annual, but they will usually self seed.
The greeny-white, wheat-like flowers emerge from this clump in mid summer and these are the real stars of the show. They float like little clouds above the foliage, catching the breeze and bobbing about. Their fluffy texture will soften surrounding planting schemes and they look particularly good when the sun catches them from behind.
A great plant for a sensory garden as you can't help but want to touch it. A native of North Eastern tropical Africa, Pennisetum villosum is not fully hardy and may not survive the winter in colder areas, so are often grown as an annual, but they will usually self seed.
How to care for Pennisetum villosum:
When planting add a scoop of well-rotted organic matter and perhaps some horticultural grit to improve drainage.
In autumn, add a generous layer of mulch to provide an insulating layer around the roots and leave the top growth for winter protection and interest.
Cut back the previous year's growth each spring to ground level.
In autumn, add a generous layer of mulch to provide an insulating layer around the roots and leave the top growth for winter protection and interest.
Cut back the previous year's growth each spring to ground level.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.6m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)
-
This grass dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
