Pennisetum macrourum
African feather grass
- 9cm pot
- £12.99
- available to order from spring
Delivery options
- Standard £5.99
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: July to September
- Hardiness: frost hardy (will need winter protection)
Tall, airy stems give this grass a striking architectural, vertical line, topped with slim flower spikes that sway cleanly above the foliage. Pennisetum macrourum grows into a loose clump of narrow, mid-green leaves that stay tidy through the season, making it useful for adding height and movement to mixed borders or prairie-style planting.
The tight cylindrical blooms appear from late summer, opening pale green before maturing to soft purple-brown tones that hold well into autumn. These bristly spikes catch the light and work neatly with perennials and other grasses, offering structure without becoming heavy.
Growth is modest until established, improving once the plant settles into a sunny, well-drained position where it remains a reliable choice for gardeners wanting a tall ornamental grass with fine texture and long-lasting seasonal interest.
The tight cylindrical blooms appear from late summer, opening pale green before maturing to soft purple-brown tones that hold well into autumn. These bristly spikes catch the light and work neatly with perennials and other grasses, offering structure without becoming heavy.
Growth is modest until established, improving once the plant settles into a sunny, well-drained position where it remains a reliable choice for gardeners wanting a tall ornamental grass with fine texture and long-lasting seasonal interest.
When planting add a scoop of well-rotted organic matter and perhaps some horticultural grit to improve drainage. In autumn, add a generous layer of mulch to provide an insulating layer around the roots and leave the top growth for winter protection and interest. Cut back the previous year's growth each spring to ground level.