Pennisetum alopecuroides Neon Lights ('Jojo100')
Chinese fountain grass
With its bright colouring and graceful form, this fountain grass brings a fresh, contemporary feel to sunny planting. Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Neon Lights' forms a neat clump of fine, arching foliage, topped in summer by soft, creamy-white plumes held on distinctive yellow-green stems.
Its compact, rounded habit works particularly well in mixed borders, prairie-style planting and large containers, where the fine foliage and feathery flowers add movement without taking over. The seedheads continue to provide interest as they mature, while the foliage forms an attractive base for surrounding plants.
Once established, it copes well with periods of dry weather and needs only modest maintenance, provided it has plenty of sun and reasonably well-drained soil. Protect from severe cold and very wet conditions over winter, but otherwise, it is an easy way to add height, texture and a touch of brightness to a border or terrace.
Its compact, rounded habit works particularly well in mixed borders, prairie-style planting and large containers, where the fine foliage and feathery flowers add movement without taking over. The seedheads continue to provide interest as they mature, while the foliage forms an attractive base for surrounding plants.
Once established, it copes well with periods of dry weather and needs only modest maintenance, provided it has plenty of sun and reasonably well-drained soil. Protect from severe cold and very wet conditions over winter, but otherwise, it is an easy way to add height, texture and a touch of brightness to a border or terrace.
How to care for Pennisetum alopecuroides Neon Lights ('Jojo100'):
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.
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:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.2m
Eventual spread:
0.5m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
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.
