Pennisetum orientale (18/07/2015, Kew gardens, London)

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 60cm

Eventual Spread: 60cm

Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Poaceae

Pennisetum orientale is a deciduous, clump forming, tufted perennial grass. Its dark green leaves are linear, arching and up to 60cm long and 15mm broad. Its pale mauve flowers appear in panicles at the ends of stalks and are up to 14cm long. These panicles may remain on the plant through the winter months. Its roots have rhizomes which aids its slow spread.

Pennisetum orientale Flower (18/07/2015, Kew gardens, London)

Pennisetum orientale, commonly known as Oriental Fountain Grass, is native to the mountains of south west Asia. In its native habitat it grows in open grassland.

The etymology root of the binomial name Pennisetum is derived from the Latin penna ’feather’ and seta ‘