Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Little Honey' (v)

RHS Plant Profile
Chinese fountain grass 'Little Honey'
Grass Like

Dwarf, clump-forming, densely tufted, evergreen perennial grass about 35-45cm tall, with flat, linear, white-striped, mid-green leaves, and bearing greenish-white flowers in narrow, spike-like clusters in summer and autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 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
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted, 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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun with shelter. Ideal for container cultivation and overwintered in a cold greenhouse or provide winter protection in colder areas. See Ornamental grasses cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division in late spring or early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging

Pruning

Cut back dead foliage and old flowered stems in early spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free