Pennisetum

These tender and hardy ornamental Grasses are native to Abyssinia, Argentina and South Africa. They range in height from 1 to 10 feet. P. villosum, Feather-top, is a tender perennial that can only be grown outside in mild climates; further North it can be treated as an annual. It forms tufts of flat, linear, mid-green leaves on hairy stems. In late summer, plumes of tiny, creamy pink, bearded spikelets are produced. This variety grows up to 3 feet high. P. Ruppelii, Fountain Grass, is a handsome variety with elegantly arching flower spikes in the summer. This Grass also needs to be grown in mild climates. The flower plumes are good for winter decoration. They should be cut when they are fully expanded, tied in bundles, and hung upside down in a cool, ventilated room to dry.

Pot Cultivation

Grow these plants in a sunny location in well-drained soil that has been dug deeply. If the soil is poor, add manure or compost and bone meal.

Propagation

Seeds are sown in the spring. Rake the soil down to a fine condition and sprinkle the seeds thinly in the surface; they are then raked into the soil. When the seedlings are 2 inches high, they should be thinned out to 6 inches apart.