Buy Chinese fountain grass Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'

Chinese fountain grass

A charming perennial grass that forms a compact, low mound and produces long-lasting, soft, pinkish, brush-like flowers in late summer that resemble squirrel tails. The bright green leaves turn yellow in autumn and then brown throughout winter. Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' is a fairly undistinguished plant until the flowers appear, so use it alongside spring bulbs or early-flowering perennials.

How to care for Pennisetum alopecuroides Hameln:

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.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

1.2m

Eventual spread:

Position:

Full sun

Rate of growth:

Average

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Borderline hardy (will need protection in winter in colder areas)

This grass dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.