Pennisetum alopecuroides Hameln

Chinese fountain grass gets its name from the way its leaves grow, rising from the middle of the plant and arching over, like water from a fountain. The brush-like flowers that arrive in summer add to the spray-like appearance. It’s a lovely plant to grow on its own in a pot or in the middle of a flower bed.

Its simple looks make it ideal as a companion for more dramatically coloured plants. It’s very simple to grow, preferring a sunny spot but very unfussy about water. It can cope with fairly dry soil, but will be happiest if you keep it lightly moist. Leaves will be bright green when they emerge in Spring, then turn yellow through autumn and soft brown in winter when they die back. Cut back all the brown growth in early spring, to make way for new green leaves.

Did you know?

There are about 140 different species of fountain grass growing around the world.