Pennisetum setaceum Skyrocket

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 catalogue. It is therefore no longer available for sale.

The Pennisetum setaceum 'Skyrocket', a variegated form of Fountain Grass, is a perennial, frost-sensitive grass that is often grown as an annual in our climate. Its light green foliage is striated or edged with white-cream throughout its length, further enhancing the delicacy of its striped leaves and its overall brightness. From mid-summer to autumn, soft and pale pinkish-brown bearded spikes emerge from an infinitely graceful fountain of foliage. Their colour gradually takes on shades of pale gold and silver, a welcome addition to autumn bouquets. An essential and versatile plant, magnificently coloured, it brings an exotic and elegant feel to flower beds, and is a favourite in flower pots, whether modern or romantic in style or in more natural arrangements. 

Pennisetum setaceum is a rhizomatous perennial plant native to tropical Africa that cannot tolerate temperatures below -8°C, but with rapid growth, it can be grown as an annual. The 'Skyrocket' cultivar, a sport of the 'Fireworks' variety, belongs to a series of ornamental grasses called Graceful Grasses. It was selected in March 2009 by the American firm Proven Winners. The plant forms a fountain of rough, striped foliage, reaching a height of 80 cm (31.5 in) when in bloom and a width of 50 cm (19.7 in), with a variegated colour of bright green and creamy white. The flowering period is from July to October, longer if the autumn is mild. The arching spikes carried on stiff stems droop gracefully above the foliage. They are composed of tiny white to pinkish-brown spikelets, arranged in narrow panicles, 20 to 30 cm (11.8 in) long, covered in long hairs and with a feathery appearance. As they fade, they take on a lighter, almost silvery hue. 

Pennisetum setaceum is the most well-known of the pennisetums, and it continues to be popular among professional and amateur gardeners alike. It is versatile, both in its exotic and elegant appearance, easy to grow, and very undemanding. Perfectly adapted to sea spray and drought, it is useful in dry gardens, as well as in flower pots or rockeries. Plant it en masse along pathways, or create very romantic displays with autumn-flowering perennials such as asters, hardy chrysanthemums, and Japanese anemones. It is also a good ground cover in mild climates.