Pennisetum macrourum

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African feather grass

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African feather grass RHS 1999
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An evergreen perennial grass about 2m tall, making a loose, spreading clump of narrow, linear mid-green leaves, with long, slender, cylindrical, softly bristly, light green flower panicles 30cm long, in late summer and early autumn, the flowers turning pale brown to purple when mature

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
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
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
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
Correct
Plant Range
S & E S Africa

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers

Pruning

Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free