Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Dark Desire'
Chinese fountain grass 'Dark Desire'
'Dark Desire' is a clump-forming, perennial grass to about 90cm with narrow, arching, bright green leaves topped with soft, bottlebrush flowerheads from mid-summer to late autumn. These open green with a reddish tinge, becoming purple to black
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red Black | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Red Black | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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 light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. May need winter protection in colder areas
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove dead foliage and old, flowered stems in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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.