Pennisetum macrourum Tail Feathers Seeds - African feather grass

Pennisetum macrourum 'Tail Feathers' or African Feather Grass is an easy and rewarding grass to grow. Its elongated spikelets are silver ticked with pinky-beige and evoke long Chinese brushes. It produces culms that reach a height of 1,8 m and 30 cm long spikelets from July to October. 

Pennisetum macrourum is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Poaceae or Gramineae family - also known as the grass family - and is native to South Africa. The basal mound is composed of very fine, drooping leaves, which feature pale green uppersides and silvery undersides. Pennisetum macrourum 'Tail Feathers' is a tall variety that quickly reaches a height of 1.80 m. It proudly displays its silky spikelets that are silver ticked with pinky-beige. Its soft culms undulate gracefully in the breeze.

This variety reveals all its daintiness when it tenderly wraps dahlias and camellias, bringing litheness to their tall, dignified, solemn silhouettes. Couple this beautiful grass with tall coneflower or golden sneezeweed, along with a few oriental poppies to create more rustic or natural-looking scenes. In autumn, the culms take on the most beautiful pale yellow colour.

The graphic appearance of grasses allow you to give movement to certain areas of the garden while producing a delightful effect with their texture and brightness. They gleam irresistibly when set against the light of the rising and setting sun and provide transparency and perspective in even the smallest of gardens. Don't deprive yourself of the feel of these grasses when planted in meadows or mixed in flower beds. Their bottle-brush spikelets are as silky as they look. It’s also good to know that Pennisetum has the extra advantage of controlling soil erosion with its root system.

Position in full sun. It especially likes dry, well-drained soils with a neutral pH. Pennisetum macrourum is not very hardy since it cannot survive temperatures below -5 °C. Keep in mind that these are grasses originating from tropical regions. In winter, protect the plant's base from recurring frost by applying a leaf mulch or dry mulch in a layer a few centimetres thick or more, if your winters are harsh.
In the spring, clear out dead growth from the clump and divide it. This is the best time and the best way to obtain new plants that retain all the varietal characteristics of this beautiful grass.