This plant, which belongs to the sweet grass family, is very popular because of its uncomplicated care and high ornamental value. Characteristic of Pennisetum is the attractive clump of leaves with the arched, overhanging leaves, which form an almost perfect hemisphere even without cutting. The flowers are reminiscent of small bottle brushes and create extremely pretty visual accents.
How to water?
If you cultivate the grass in a pot, you must always supply the plant with water when the soil feels dry at the top.
Grasses that thrive in beds only need to be watered when necessary, for example on very hot summer days. Then water sufficiently and deeply, because the pennisetum only recovers slowly from drought damage.
Which fertilizer applications are necessary?
The ornamental grass generally does not require any special fertilization. However, if the soil is a little depleted because the grass has been growing in the same place for many years, you should supply it with additional nutrients. Suitable are:
- Mature compost,
- Complete fertilizer for perennials or green plants.
Is pruning necessary?
The Pennisetum grass should only be shortened in late spring, shortly before new growth. The clumps covered with hoarfrost look extremely decorative in winter and decorate the otherwise bare beds. They also offer small creatures a protective shelter.
Cut the leaves about a hand's width above the ground in spring. Since the Pennisetum grass tends to age, you should dig it up every three to four years and rejuvenate it by dividing it.
Does the plant need special winter protection?
If the ornamental grass, which is not completely hardy, is in a protected place, for example in front of a house wall and in a mild region, no winter protection is necessary.
If this is not the case, you should protect the root area with a warming mulch blanket and spread brushwood over it. To prevent rot, you can also tie the stalks together loosely.
In very rough locations, Pennisetum must be protected from severe frost by a small overwintering tent. Stretch bamboo mats or garden fleece over poles inserted into the ground so that the stems are not snapped.
You should not use foil as the moisture will accumulate underneath it. As a result, the grass would begin to rot and die.
What diseases and pests are threatening?
These are not a problem for Pennisetum. The grass is only sensitive to waterlogging. You can prevent this by adding a drainage layer when planting.
Tip
Do not cut off the inflorescences, as the seeds provide valuable food for birds in winter.