Pennisetum is not only a visual highlight in the bed, the ornamental grass also beautifies open spaces when planted in a pot. Easy to care for and robust, this plant is perfect for balconies and terraces and sets extremely attractive accents.
How do you care for Pennisetum grass in a pot?
Pennisetum grass in a pot thrives best if you choose a suitable variety, use a sufficiently large pot and pay attention to drainage, water drainage and the right soil. The grass also needs regular watering, fertilization and professional cutting in spring.
Which varieties are suitable?
The dwarf varieties such as “Little Bunny” and “Little Honey”, which only grow to around 30 centimeters high and can therefore even be placed in a balcony box, are well suited.
Medium-sized varieties reach a height of up to 90 centimeters and approximately the same width. They therefore fit well on the balcony and terrace, where their special charisma creates a beach feeling.
How is the ornamental grass used correctly?
Do not choose a pot that is too small so that Pennisetum can spread out a little and form the typical hemisphere. Pay attention to the following points when planting:
- The Pennisetum grass does not like waterlogging. Therefore, fill a drainage layer of expanded clay into the planter.
- This should have a sufficient number of drainage holes, which you can cover with pottery shards or large stones.
- In addition, you can mix the soil - conventional green plant soil is well suited - with expanded clay balls.
- Water the root ball thoroughly before planting. This ensures that Pennisetum grows in well and quickly.
Watering and fertilizing
Water whenever the top layer of soil feels dry (thumb test). Fertilization is carried out every 14 days with a commercially available product for green plants (€7.00 at Amazon). When dosing, stick to the amount stated on the packaging.
Overwinter the pot grass properly
Before the first frost, you should bring the Pennisetum grass into the house. You don't need to cut it back at this point, just tie the stalks loosely together.
The winter quarters should be frost-free but cool. The plant's light requirements are not very high during winter dormancy, so the room can be relatively dark. You should water rarely and only when the soil feels really dry.
Please don't make the mistake of putting the pennisetum straight back in its original place in the spring. Accustom the plant carefully to the changed conditions by first placing Pennisetum in a protected, sunny location.
Spring cut
After clearing out, Pennisetum should be shortened about a hand's breadth above the ground. It then sprouts green quickly and vigorously.
Tip
Pennisetum grass is not poisonous, but its very hard stalks can pose a danger to children and pets. In addition, they are so sharp that they can cause nasty cuts if touched carelessly.
