Pennisetum alopecuroïdes Black Beauty - Chinese Fountain Grass

The Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Black Beauty' is a recent and floriferous grass, distinguished by its flower heads in bushy spikes, initially purple at the end of summer, turning black-brown at the end of the season. Attractive from spring to autumn, this grass forms a beautiful fountain of fabulous, cut foliage, which is also adorned with beautiful autumn colours: it becomes straw-coloured, topped with black spikes that sway in the wind; this plant does not go unnoticed in the garden deserted by summer blooms. It is suitable for gardens of all styles and fits everywhere: in shrub and perennial beds, on a slope, in a rock garden, or even in a large container on the patio.

The Pennisetum alopecuroides is a grass native to a large northeast of Asia and Australia. It belongs to the large family of Poaceae. It is a clump-forming grass, with all stems originating from the base at ground level. Its foliage is marcescent in winter, drying out but remaining on the plant. The 'Black Beauty' grass forms a large bundle of trailing leaves and spikes, approximately 1m (3ft) tall and wide. The basal tuft comprises very fine, supple, slightly glaucous green leaves. The flowering culms emerge from the vegetation in summer, bearing characteristic flower heads composed of very silky spikelets gathered in long spikes measuring 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in). Their colour evolved from pinkish-purple to black-brown in October. The foliage also celebrates the arrival of autumn by colouring golden straw, a bright hue under the sun. The plant remains decorative during part of the winter, mainly when frost covers the remnants of its vegetation.

With its beautiful stature and contrasting colour, this' Black Beauty' variety expresses all its beauty by fitting between slightly stiff perennials such as dahlias. It has its place in the countryside, contemporary or minimalist gardens, and urban or mineral scenes. The Pennisetum pairs well with many shrubs, such as Perovskia boxwood trimmed into balls. Their flowering also accompanies Lespedeza thunbergii, tall sedums, and tall autumn asters (Aster laevis, Aster turbinellus). Like Dierama, they undoubtedly bring a touch of flexibility and poetry to any landscape. They can also be paired with spreading and lighter plants, such as yarrows, Lychnis coronaria, and Verbena bonariensis.

Pennisetum alopecuroides is a type of grass that is highly resilient and can withstand summer droughts. When placed strategically between rocks in a rock garden or wall, these grasses create a beautiful movement. They shine brilliantly in low light and add an extra dimension to any garden, no matter how small. In a meadow or along a path, don't hesitate to touch them, as the spikes are surprisingly silky to the touch. The dense root system of Pennisetum helps to prevent erosion.