Scientific Name:
Pennisetum setaceum
Pronunciation:
pen-ih-SEE-tum suh-TAY-see-um
Common Name:
fountain grass
Family Name:
Poaceae
Plant Type:
Annual (grown as), Poales (grass-like)
Key ID Features:
Perennial up to 1.5m tall; leaves 30cm long x 1.5cm wide, purple-black, with a green midrib below and a catching edge; spikelets arranged in a dense, purple spike (green leafed, white flowered cultivars also available).
Habit:
Arching, Open, Upright
Form:
Mounded, Oval - vertical
Texture:
Fine
Mature Height:
0.7 - 1.3m
Mature Spread:
0.6 - 1.0m
Growth Rate:
Fast
Origin:
Africa, Australia / New Zealand, South Asia / India
Hardiness Rating:
Zone 9: (-7 to -1 °C)
Exposure:
Full sun, Part sun/part shade
Soil/Growing Medium:
Well-drained
Water Use:
Moderate, Low
Landscape Uses:
Accent plant, Bedding plant, Container planting, Cut flower or foliage, Dried flower or fruit, Specimen plant
Additional Info:
Leaf Morphology:
Form:
Grass-like
Arrangement:
Alternate
Texture/Venation:
Soft flexible, Parallel venation
Surfaces:
Rugose
Colour in Summer:
Greenish purple
Shapes:
Linear
Apices:
Acuminate
Bases:
Sheathing
Margins:
Serrulate
Inflorescence Type:
Spikelet, Spike-like
Flower Morphology:
Flowers perfect
Number Of Petals:
0
Ovary Position:
Superior
Colour (petals):
Showy, White, Purple
Flower Scent:
None
Flower Time at Peak:
Jul, Aug
Fruit Type:
Grain (caryopsis)
Fruit Colour:
Brown (Purple)
Fruiting Time:
Sep, Oct
Additional Info:
Showy
Bark or Stem Colour:
Propagation:
Seed, Division - below ground parts
Maintenance:
Low
Pest Susceptibility:
Rust (Pest resistant)
Course(s):
- HORT 1193/1293
- HORT 2355
- Level 4 Apprenticeship
Location(s):
- (BED) BEDding, container, or basket