Plant profile
Botanical name: Pennisetum alopecuroides
German name: Feather bristle grass
Family: Sweet grasses (Poaceae)
Flowering time: September to November
Blossoms: Fringy
Foliage: Summer green, autumn colouring
Growth habit: Umbrella-shaped
Origin: Middle East and Australia
Details of the Pennisetum alopecuroides
Feather bristle grass is one of the most popular plant elements in the garden. With its fluffy and dense panicle flowers and narrow pointed leaves, the colours of the ornamental grass change in late summer and shine in all their glory. The spikes range from red-brown to silvery and the leaves change colour from dark green to golden. Thanks to the late flowering, the spike-like inflorescences continue to adorn the garden even in the frosty winter.
The feather bristle grass was originally native to the Near East and Australia. In the second half of the 20th century, the ornamental grass was introduced to Europe, where it enjoyed great popularity thanks to its frost tolerance and high ornamental value.
Belonging to the sweet grass family, there are around 80 different species. Depending on the variety, some reach a height of forty to eighty centimetres. The inflorescences reach ten to fifteen centimetres. As the ornamental grass does not form runners, it does not multiply uncontrollably in the garden.
Use of feather bristle grass in design
The feather bristle grass prefers sunny and warm locations. If possible, waterlogging and compacted soil should be avoided, otherwise the Pennisetum alopecuroides is undemanding and easy to care for. The amount of time required for care is very low. Only pruning is recommended in spring before the plant sprouts again.
Combining it with other plants is a guaranteed eye-catcher in the garden. For example, ornamental grass combines well with roses, asters or coneflowers. In combination with plants that prefer the same location but flower earlier, the garden will change again and again over many months. The feather bristle grass is also very effective as a solitary plant, and in a pot it adds a touch of colour to balconies, entrances or terraces.
