Pennisetum macrourum
African feather grass
An evergreen perennial grass about 2m tall, making a loose, spreading clump of narrow, linear mid-green leaves, with long, slender, cylindrical, softly bristly, light green flower panicles 30cm long, in late summer and early autumn, the flowers turning pale brown to purple when mature
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 | Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown Purple | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- S & E S Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a light, moderately fertile, well-drained soil. May need winter protection in colder areas where pennisetum is short-lived. See ornamental grasses cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a warm glasshouse in spring or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Coastal
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
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.