Pennisteum villosum

Description

Pennisetum villosum – feathertop grass

Botanical name: Pennisetum villosum
Common names: Feathertop grass
Family: Poaceae (grass family)
Plant type: Deciduous perennial grass
Habit: Clump-forming, arching, fountain-like
Pot size: 2–3 litre pot
Eventual size: Approx. 45–60cm tall × 45cm spread
Foliage: Arching, soft green foliage forming a mound; deciduous
Flowers: Beautifully soft, fluffy, feathery creamy-white plumes, late summer into autumn (August–October)
Scent: Not scented
Aspect / light: Full sun
Soil: Fertile, moist but well-drained; sharp drainage in winter; any pH
Hardiness: RHS H3 (half-hardy; roughly −5 to 1°C); often grown as an annual or lifted in cold gardens; USDA zones 8–10
Exposure: Warm, sheltered, sunny
Native range: Species native to north-east Africa and Arabia
Toxicity / pet & child safety: Generally considered non-toxic to people and pets

Pennisetum villosum, feathertop grass, produces beautifully soft, fluffy, feathery creamy-white plumes over arching foliage. Wonderfully tactile, it is superb in warm sunny borders, gravel and containers.

GardenAdvice notes

A clump-forming deciduous grass, fountain grass is grown for its arching, fountain-like foliage and its soft, fluffy ‘bottlebrush’ or ‘foxtail’ flower plumes in late summer and autumn. Its plumes are exceptionally soft and feathery, among the fluffiest of any grass, though it is more tender than most and is often grown as an annual in cold areas. It loves a warm, sunny, sheltered spot and, being a little tender, appreciates sharp drainage, especially over winter.

Growing & planting

Plant in late spring in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun, in a warm, sheltered spot — sun and summer warmth are needed for good flowering. Sharp drainage matters, as cold, wet winters are its main enemy; in colder gardens it can be short-lived. Space appropriately for its size.

Care & maintenance

Leave the foliage and plumes standing through winter for beauty and structure, then cut back to the ground in early to mid spring. Water while establishing. Divide in late spring, not autumn, so it enters winter undivided and better able to survive.

Propagation

• Division: Lift and divide established clumps in late spring, as growth begins (avoid autumn division).

Pests & diseases

Generally trouble-free in a warm, well-drained spot. Its main enemy is cold, wet winters; shelter and sharp drainage are important. Otherwise little troubled by pests.

Uses in the garden

Superb in sunny, well-drained borders, gravel and prairie-style plantings, and in containers, where the soft, fluffy plumes bring wonderful texture and movement; lovely for cutting.

Wildlife value

The flower plumes and seedheads provide food for birds and add habitat to naturalistic plantings.

Toxicity & safety

Fountain grass is generally regarded as non-toxic to people and pets.

GardenAdvice tip

Feathertop grass has the softest, fluffiest plumes of any fountain grass — genuinely irresistible to stroke — but it’s the most tender of the group, so treat it as half-hardy: grow it in a warm, sheltered spot or a pot, and in a cold garden be prepared to lift it, protect it, or simply grow it fresh each year. It can self-seed in warm, mild gardens.

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