Pennisetum latifolia

Description

Pennisetum latifolia the ‘Uruguay Fountaingrass’ is a quite extraordinary member of the Pennisetum family quite unlike it’s well known smaller cousins this grass should perhaps be better named as the ‘Giant Pennisetum’ being a spectacular grass growing up to 3 metres high in a season. From late spring the new shoots emerge from the base of the plant rapidly reaching for the sky, they are clothed in attractive broad deep green lanceolate leaves creating an altogether jungly appearance. As they mature the stems produce distinct swollen nodes further adding to the exotic look. From late summer onwards the classic Pennisetum bunny tail type flower and seed heads are produced at the very top of each stem adding interest as the season progresses. From growing here in West Sussex we have found Pennisetum latifolia to be pretty hardy being cut back by winter frost only to re-emerge in late spring just as you think you’ve lost it. We generally prune them back to 30cm or so once they start to look weather beaten and apply a rich mulch around the base keeping the crown snug and slowly adding fertilizer once the weather warms up.

A very cool exciting ‘new’ jungly grass which is both lush, exotic and fast growing whilst remaining clump forming and well behaved. Best planted in a sunny position in fertile soil for maximum growth.