Pennisetum villosum Cream Falls Seeds - Feathertop grass

Pennisetum villosum 'Cream Falls' or Feathertop grass is one of the easiest and most rewarding perennial grasses. Its chalk-white spikelets inevitably recall large silky caterpillars or the downy tails of rabbits. It produces culms that reach 45 cm high and from July to October, spikelets measuring 5 to 7 cm.  

Pennisetum villosum is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Poaceae family - also known as the Gramineae or Grass family - and is native to a large part of North-East Africa and part of the Arabian Peninsula. The basal mound is composed of very fine, arching leaves of a singular green to glaucous hue. Pennisetum villosum 'Cream Falls' is a low-growing variety that grows to a height of 45 cm. Its silky, chalk-white spikelets point upwards and do not droop or bend under their own weight. The spikelets barely  swing whereas the tender, slightly arched culms sway in the breeze in gentle undulations.

This small variety reveals all its daintiness when it tenderly wraps dahlias and camellias, bringing litheness to their tall, dignified, solemn silhouettes. It can also be combined with wandering plants such as yarrow or joe-pye weed. The very graphic aspect of grasses allows you to give movement to certain areas of the garden while enjoying the effects of 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. This variety of Pennisetum villosum is still more hardy than the others since it survives frosts down to -5 °C. Keep in mind that these grasses originate 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.