Pennisetum villosum
Fluffy cream feathertop grass
Grown by Mike's perennial specialists
UK
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Pennisetum villosum
- Introduce a mesmerizing, tactile element to your garden with the exceptionally fluffy, creamy-white flower plumes of this stunning ornamental grass.
- Often called feathertop grass, Pennisetum villosum catches the late afternoon sunlight beautifully, creating a glowing, ethereal effect in the border.
- It features a fantastic, cascading habit that looks absolutely breathtaking when allowed to spill softly over the edges of pathways or large patio pots.
- This pennisetum is remarkably drought-tolerant and thrives in baking sun, making it an essential, zero-fuss addition to dry or gravel gardens.
- The feathery blooms make spectacular, highly textured additions to fresh or dried cut flower arrangements that will last for months indoors.
What to expect
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Eventual height
Eventual spread
Flower colour
Habit
Hardiness
Will this grow in my garden?
Can I grow this in a pot?
Yes, Pennisetum villosum needs a heavy 40cm wide pot to stop it blowing over.
How big does it get?
Pennisetum villosum typically reaches a mature height of 60 cm and a spread of 60 cm.
How much sunlight does this need?
Pennisetum villosum requires full sun for at least 6 hours a day.
What kind of soil does this plant prefer?
Pennisetum villosum prefers moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
How much watering does this plant need?
Pennisetum villosum needs about 2.5 centimetres of water per week, keeping the soil evenly moist.
Will this plant need pruning?
Pennisetum villosum requires pruning in late winter or early spring. Cut the old stems back to around 10 to 15 centimetres from the ground before new growth appears.
How hardy is this plant?
Pennisetum villosum is rated H3 to H4, tolerating temperatures down to -5°C to -10°C. It is hardy in mild southern or coastal UK gardens with excellent drainage, but may perish in cold, wet northern winters without protection.
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