Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Cassian's Choice'

RHS Plant Profile
Chinese fountain grass 'Cassian's Choice'

Synonyms

Pennisetum 'Cassian's Choice'
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Cassian'

Award of Garden Merit
Grass Like

An upright, clump-forming grass to around 1m tall with arching, narrow, greenleaves that turn rich shades of orange and yellow in autumn. Pink-flushed pale brown, hairyflowers are borne in bottlebrush-like heads on tall stems from summer into autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Poaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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. See ornamental grasses cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Prairie planting
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free