The charming, brush-shaped spikes and the attractive reddish-brown colored foliage make this Pennisetum species a highlight in the garden. In addition, it only has a low growth height and is therefore very suitable for beautifying a balcony or terrace. But is this robust pipe cleaner grass also winter hardy and how does it have to be cared for in the cold season?
Is the red Pennisetum hardy?
Red Pennisetum grass (Pennisetum setaceum rubrum) is not completely hardy as it originally comes from the warm Mediterranean region and North Africa. Protective measures such as plant fleece, brushwood or containers with winter quarters are necessary for overwintering.
The red pennisetum is sensitive to frost
This ornamental grass originally comes from the warm Mediterranean region and North Africa. For this reason, the plant, in contrast to almost all other Pennisetum species, is not completely winter-proof.
Overwintering potted plants
The red pennisetum grass can be cultivated very well in a sufficiently large container. As soon as the temperatures drop into the single digits, bring it back into the house.
- Pour again penetratingly.
- The ambient temperature in the winter quarters should be between eight and twelve degrees.
- Otherwise the red pennisetum is undemanding. However, do not let the pot ball dry out completely and water occasionally.
As soon as the temperatures rise again, you can return the non-winter-proof ornamental grass to its original place. If there is a risk of cool nights again, you should temporarily protect the plant with a plant fleece.
Overwinter Pennisetum setaceum rubrum outdoors
If you live in a region with moderate weather conditions and the ornamental grass is in a location
- protected by a wall,
- warm,
- windless
Space, you can dare to overwinter in the open field. Proceed as follows:
- Tie the long ears of grain into a loose head.
- Do not cut these back under any circumstances, as they are a natural protection against the cold.
- Apply a thick layer of spruce branches, bark mulch or straw in the root area.
- Wrap the lower half of the grass with a special plant protection fleece (€72.00 on Amazon).
- You do not need to water or fertilize during the winter months.
As soon as temperatures rise, winter protection is removed. Now you should shorten the stalks. Work some compost into the soil so that the ornamental grass has enough nutrients to sprout.
Tip
The red pennisetum feels extremely comfortable in a full sun location. Although it tolerates drought relatively well, you should water thoroughly on warm summer days. A drainage layer made of gravel or sand ensures the he alth of the roots.
