Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Dark Desire'
Chinese fountain grass 'Dark Desire'
A clump-forming, perennial grass to about 90cm with narrow, arching, bright green leaves topped with soft, bottlebrush flowerheads from mid-summer to late autumn. These open green with a reddish tinge, becoming purple to black
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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 | Green Red Black | Green | ||
Autumn | Green Red Black | Green | ||
Winter |
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
- Clump forming
- 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. May need winter protection in colder areas
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove dead foliage and old, flowered stems in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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