Pennisetum is botanically part of the sweet grass family. It is also known as feather bristle grass because of its attractive false spikes that look like small brushes. In autumn, the plant changes from its strong green color to a bright yellow, which enriches the garden throughout the winter. If you pay attention to a few things when planting, the resilient Pennisetum grass will prove to be extremely robust.
How do you plant Pennisetum correctly?
To plant Pennisetum correctly, choose a sunny location, loosen the well-drained soil, avoid waterlogging and plant in spring. Give the grass enough space and plant it a little deeper in the ground than before.
The right location
For Pennisetum to bloom, it needs a sunny place. A location in front of a wall is ideal, which stores the heat and releases it into the surroundings in the cool night hours.
Make sure to give the ornamental grass enough space. It can neither tolerate the root pressure of nearby trees nor their shadows.
What soil requirements does Pennisetum grass have?
Normal, well-drained garden soil is sufficient for this undemanding plant. The only things that need to be avoided are waterlogging or heavily compacted soil, as these conditions lead to root rot.
When and how should Pennisetum be planted?
The ideal time to plant is spring, because the plant then has enough time to root strongly until winter.
- Dig a sufficiently large planting hole.
- Loose the substrate well before setting and, if necessary, improve it with gravel (€479.00 on Amazon) or sand.
- Take the ornamental grass out of the pot carefully so that the roots are not injured.
- Place the Pennisetum grass a little deeper into the ground than before. This ensures lush growth.
How is Pennisetum propagated by division and transplanting?
Over the years, the Pennisetum grass forms large clumps. You can lift these out of the ground in spring and divide them. Replant these as described.
Which ornamental plants can the grass be combined with?
Pennisetum goes very well with autumn bloomers, but is also a beautiful companion for noble roses. Large-growing varieties look good as solitary perennials and are an attractive eye-catcher in natural gardens.
Tip
In contrast to some other ornamental grasses, the Pennisetum grass does not form runners. So it doesn't multiply uncontrollably in the bed.
