Setaria palmifolia
palm grass
An upright to spreading, tender perennial grass, with pleated, elliptic to lance-shaped green leaves to 45cm long. Produces fine sprays of greenish tan flowers on arching stems in late summer. May be evergreen in warmer regions
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Setaria can be annual or perennial grasses, with linear to elliptic leaves and small flowers in a panicle, the spikelets with a tuft of conspicuous bristles
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Asia to Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
May be grown outdoors in frost-free areas, otherwise best grown in a container or lifted to overwinter in a cool greenhouse or conservatory. Grow in any well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to red spider mites and caterpillars
Diseases
May be susceptible to rust diseases
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.