Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Pennisetum or Fountain grasses

The genus Pennisetum, family Poaceae, includes 80 species of rhizomatous herbaceous plants native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. Some species are: Pennisetum glaucum, Pennisetum villosum, Pennisetum setaceum, Pennisetum alopecuroides, Pennisetum ruppelii, Pennisetum purpureum.

Common names: Fountaingrasses, Fountain grasses. This species is native to tropical and warm temperate regions of the world.

They are plants with a hollow stem and ribbon-shaped leaves that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The flowers appear in spikes and can be white or cream-colored with shades of purple.

They are used to form low hedges, in groups with other ornamental grasses and as cut flowers.

Pennisetum can grow in full sun exposure but prefers a semi-shade exposure with at least 3 hours of direct sun per day. Some species resist frost.

The soil can be a normal well-drained garden substrate with coarse sand.

Water normally by increasing watering if the summer heat is intense.

Fertilize with compost or manure in the fall.

Prune dry leaves in any season.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring or by division also in spring.

Images of the plant Pennisetum or Fountain grasses