Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Cassian's Choice'
Chinese fountain grass 'Cassian's Choice'
An upright, clump-forming grass to around 1m tall with arching, narrow, greenleaves that turn rich shades of orange and yellow in autumn. Pink-flushed pale brown, hairyflowers are borne in bottlebrush-like heads on tall stems from summer into autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink Brown | Orange Yellow Green | ||
| Winter | Brown | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Pennisetum can be annual or perennial, evergreen or deciduous grasses, clump-forming or spreading in habit, with linear leaves and narrow flowering panicles with conspicuous bristles
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. May need winter protection in colder areas. See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Prairie planting
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.