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Herbaceous Perennial

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 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green Red Black Green
Autumn Green Red Black Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical 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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