The Pennisetum is an ornamental grass species that is increasingly found in gardens in the Netherlands. It is an ornamental grass that you can enjoy almost all year round. The Dutch name of Pennisetum is lamp cleaner grass. The inflorescence of the plant resembles a lamppender that was used to polish an oil lamp in the past. Hence the name lamp cleaner grass. By maintaining the correct planting distance, Pennisetum covers the soil and weeds are less likely to develop. Pennisetum comes in different types from low to high.
Pennisetum alopecuroides ?? Hameln ??
The Pennisetum alopecuroides ?? Hameln ?? is a species that grows to about 60 centimeters high. From July to October, the Pennisetum blooms in the color light brown to light pink in the form of flower spikes. In winter, the flower spikes turn to silvery white. The leaves have a green color and turn greenish yellow in autumn.
The plant thrives when it is planted in groups, but it can also function well as a solitary. Ideal conditions for the plant are a moisture-retaining, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
Pennisetum ?? Little Bunny ??
The Pennisetum ?? Little Bunny ?? is a species that remains lower than the Pennisetum alopecuroides ?? Hameln ??. The plant grows to about 30 to 40 centimeters high. The flowering time of the Pennisetum is from July to October. The inflorescence corresponds to the Pennisetum alopecuroides ?? Hameln ??, only the flower spikes are a lot shorter. Also the Pennisetum ?? Little Bunny ?? likes a moist, well-drained soil in full sun or shade.
To combine
The Pennisetum is a plant that can be combined well with other plants. The Pennisetum can be combined well with:
- Echinacea
- Autumn aster
- Persicaria
- Pampas grass
Pruning
Pennisetum is best pruned annually in March / April, before the new foliage sprouts. When pruning, take into account that you cut the old foliage to about 10 centimeters above the ground. Pruning the Pennisetum can be done earlier, but you run a greater risk of frost damage. If you prune the Pennisetum early in the autumn, you will have less pleasure from the ornamental value in the fall and winter.
Propagate
The plant can be propagated by tearing it. You stick the plant out of the ground. This is best done by sticking a spade around the plant. When you have removed the plant from the ground, you can cut the plant into pieces with a spade. The best time to tear the Pennisetum is around March / April. At the same time, you can prune the plant immediately.
Buy Pennisetum
You can buy pennisetum from a nursery or garden center. Nowadays many plants are also sold online through web shops. Buying plants online can have a number of benefits such as:
- Buying plants takes less time
- Plants are delivered to your home
- You don’t have to rent a trailer
- Your car will not get dirty, because you do not have to transport plants
- No worries about a lack of space in your car
- You don’t have to lift heavy boxes
For the Pennisetum alopecuroides ?? Hameln ?? you need about 3 to 5 pieces per square meter. For the Pennisetum ?? Little Bunny ?? 7 to 9 pieces per square meter is recommended.
Other types
The Pennisetum alopecurioides ‘Hameln’ and the Pennisetum ‘Little Bunny’ are one of the varieties most commonly used in gardens. Other pennisetum species are:
- Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Gelbstiel’. This species has light green to yellow plume stems.
- Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Honey’. This species has variegated foliage.
- Pennisetum alopecuroides ?? Magic ??. This species has purple plumes.
- Pennisetum alopecuroides ?? Maudry ??. This species is known for its dark, thick plumes.
- Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Pennstripe’. This species has variegated leaves.