Pennisetum villosum 'Cream Falls'

Grass Like

Loosely tufted, deciduous perennial grass, sometimes grown as an annual, about 60cm tall, with arching mid-green leaves and bearing from summer to early autumn, plume-like panicles with soft, feathery creamy-white bristles, resembling rabbits tails

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
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 a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. May need winter protection in colder areas where pennisetum is short-lived. See ornamental grasses cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring or by division in spring or early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Cut flowers
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free