Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Black Beauty'
Chinese fountain grass 'Black Beauty'
A clump-forming grass to around 1m tall with narrow, arching green leaves .From summer into autumn, tall stems bear dark purple to black flowers on bottlebrush-like heads
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Black Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Black Purple | Green | ||
| Winter | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- 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
Unresolved
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
- Cottage and informal 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
Get involved
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