List 6 – Pennisetum orientale
Pennisetum orientale (fountain grass)
Family: Poaceae
Useful cultivars and selections:
- Pennisetum alopecuroides: similar to orientale, but taller with white inflorescence
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-8
Size:
- 1-3 ft wide
- 1-3 ft tall
Form:
- Clump-forming
Soil & Water requirements:
- Medium moisture
Exposure:
- Full sun
Leaves:
- Mounding, green foliage; turns yellowish after frost, then straw beige by winter
- Deciduous; perennial grass
Flowers:
- Plumy inflorescence; soft and feather-like; arching
- Light pink; appears fluffy
- Bloom period starts in June and lasts for months, followed by a period of slowly drying into a tawny brown; lasting into the winter; long showy period
Maintenance:
- Low
Suitable uses:
- Mixed, sunny borders
- Rock garden
- Massing by waterside
Potential pairings:
- Colour partners: cream; dark green
- Coulour contrasts: purple; gold; burgundy
Other:
Reliably tough