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

• Position: full or partial shade
• Soil: fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: half hardy (needs protection in winter)
  
  A striking, fast-growing ornamental grass, ‘Cherry Sparkler’ is loved by garden designers, who use its soft texture to create movement. This Pennisetum is a deciduous grass with green and white leaves that develop a blush of dark pink on the end of the blades, which from midsummer are topped by soft, pink, flowering spikelets. Ideal for the sensory garden, it will also look great when used as a centrepiece in combination plantings, or in a contemporary setting when planted in a metallic or faux-lead pot.
  
  
• Garden care: Comb through the plant in winter to remove dead foliage. Feed with a general purpose fertiliser during the growing season and if necessary, lift and divide over-large clumps in early spring. A generous layer of mulch in autumn will help keep the roots warmer in winter. Prune back the previous years growth each spring.