This species produces 2- to 5-foot-tall mounds of narrow green foliage and bottle brush-like silvery-pink to purple flowers, both of which mature to shades of brown. It is the parent of numerous cultivars with notable flowers that range from purple to gray/black. It and some of its cultivars self-sow plentifully in warm climates. It is marginally hardy in Zone 5.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsGood cut or dried flower.
CareGrow in light, average, well-drained soil in full sun. Cut back previous year's foliage by early spring.
PropagationDivide in late spring or early autumn. Sow seed in early spring at 55° to 65°F.
ProblemsRust, eye spot, leaf spots.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
Dramm Revolution Adjustable 9-Pattern Metal Hose Nozzle
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Ergonomic insulated grip
- Maximum pressure of 90 PSI
- Fully adjustable spray pattern
- No trigger lock
Black and Decker 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- 38 x 7 x 7 inches
- 6.9 pounds
- 1 Lithium Ion battery required (included)
D&X Garden Sprinkler
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- 12 flexible nozzles that you can set in any direction, simply bend hoses to customize new watering patterns - 360 degree coverage of 3000 sq. ft area
- 3.5 x 4 x 6 inches
- Genus : Pennisetum
- Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
- Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
- Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Tolerance : Deer Tolerant, Frost Tolerant
- Bloom Time : Fall, Summer
- Growth Rate : Fast, Moderate
- Light : Full Sun
- Plant Type : Grasses
- Uses : Ground Covers
- Moisture : Medium to Wet
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Flower Color : Pink
- Characteristics : Self Seeds, Showy Foliage, Showy Seed Heads
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.
