Pennisetum is a very popular ornamental grass that forms extremely attractive false spikes in late summer and autumn. It sets interesting accents in the garden and can be perfectly integrated into the individual bed design thanks to the different growth heights of the individual varieties. Variants that don't grow quite as vigorously are even suitable for growing in pots on balconies or terraces.
How tall does Pennisetum grow?
Pennisetum grass reaches different heights depending on the variety: dwarf varieties such as “Little Bunny” and “Little Honey” reach 30 cm high, medium-sized varieties such as Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' reach 80-90 cm and impressive varieties such as Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose' grow up to 150 cm.
Versatile Pennisetum
The genus Pennisetum includes around 80 species, including the millet native to Africa and the mighty elephant grass, which reaches heights of up to five meters and more.
The varieties cultivated in the garden don't aim quite as high. Depending on the species, they grow between 30 and 180 centimeters tall.
Low Pennisetum Grasses
The small, dwarf varieties such as “Little Bunny” or “Little Honey” reach a height of only 30 centimeters with the flowers above the foliage. This means they look extremely good in the flowerbed between other perennials and fit into the foreground thanks to their low height. The small species also look very good in rock gardens or as intermediate plants in larger balcony boxes.
Medium-sized Pennisetum
The clump of leaves on these looks like a small bush because the leaves form a beautiful hemisphere. They reach a height of 80 to 90 centimeters. These varieties are popular potted plants because they provide a certain beach feeling on the balcony or terrace.
These Pennisetum species become wider rather than taller over time. They may then take up space for other plants, but can be easily dug up and divided.
Known varieties are:
- Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Cassian’
- Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’
- Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Moudry’
- Pennisetum alopecuroides orientale
If you combine these grasses with other leafy plants, the different leaf shapes and colors make them look interesting. Alternatively, they go well with autumn bloomers such as cushion asters or anemones.
Imposing Pennisetum grasses
These reach a height of up to 150 centimeters. You should give these Pennisetum species plenty of space; one specimen per square meter is sufficient.
The ornamental grasses with their overhanging leaves are extremely attractive, and not just during the summer months. In winter, covered in hoarfrost, you set wonderful accents and enrich the garden when almost nothing else is blooming.
Known varieties are:
- Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Japonicum’
- Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Compressum’
- Pennisetum alopecuroides var. viridescens
- Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose'
Tip
In the information about the height of growth that you will find on the plant labels, the height of the inflorescences is almost always stated. Depending on the species, the clump of leaves is on average 20 centimeters lower.
