Pennisetum setaceum

IMPORTANT: for the preservation of our natural ecosystems and in accordance with European Regulation No. 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species, we have removed this plant from our catalog. It is therefore no longer available for sale.

The Pennisetum setaceum is the feather grass that charms us in the compositions that adorn our cities and villages. This lovely grass forms a dense tuft and is adorned with a never-ending flowering of trailing white to beige spikes. In reality, it is a tender perennial plant, grown as an annual in our climate. Infinitely graceful and highly versatile, it brings a lot of exoticism and elegance to flowerbeds and is a must-have in flower pots, whether in a modern style or in romantic or natural compositions. It thrives in well-drained, moist to dry soil, in full sun.

The Pennisetum setaceum is a non-invasive rhizomatous perennial plant native to tropical Africa, East Africa, and the Middle East. It cannot tolerate temperatures below -5°C (23°F) but shows very rapid growth. In our climate, it reaches maturity in a few months from a young plant, allowing it to be grown as an annual. It forms tufts of rough, ribbon-like foliage, slightly arching, reaching a height of 80cm (32in) to 1m (3ft) when in flower, with a width of 60-70cm (24-28in). The flowering period extends from July to October, longer if the autumn is mild. The arching spikes gracefully hang above the foliage, supported by stiff stems. They are composed of tiny white spikelets that turn beige, arranged in narrow paniculate clusters, 20 to 30cm (8 to 12in) in length, with a feathery appearance, covered in long hairs. As they fade, they take on a more blonde hue.

The Pennisetum setaceum is a plant that enjoys unparalleled success among professional gardeners. It is versatile, both in its exotic and elegant appearance, as well as its ease of cultivation and undemanding nature. Perfectly suited to coastal areas and drought, it is useful in dry gardens, as well as in flower pots or rockeries. Plant it en masse along pathways, or create romantic displays with autumn-flowering perennials such as asters, hardy chrysanthemums, and Japanese anemones. In a large container, it can be paired with Perilla, thistles, marigolds, and red or fuchsia shrubby salvias. It also makes a good ground cover in mild climates.