How to grow
Pennisetum like light, moist and well-drained soil, but many varieties are not fully hardy and may not survive the winter in colder areas.
Some of the more exotic purple-leaved varieties such as Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ will require the shelter of a heated greenhouse over the winter, while others such as Pennisetum villosum should survive with the assistance of a thick mulch.
The most reliable of them is Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ which flowers prolifically year on year and would give a similar effect to Pennisetum villosum without needing to be mollycoddled.
Suppliers: Pennisetum are available nationwide in your local garden centre. For a wider selection, try Knoll Gardens, Hampreston, Wimborne,which also does mail order (01202 873931).
