Photo of Pennisetum spathiolatum Hort. by Patricia Cunningham

Photo by Patricia Cunningham

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Pennisetum spathiolatum Hort.

Also Known As

  • Pennisetum spathiolatum
  • Pennisetum sphacelatum
  • Slender Veldt Grass

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 1'-3'
  • W: 1'-3'

planting zones

  • 7a-10b

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Pennisetum spathiolatum Hort. plant details

Pennisetum spathiolatum Hort. is an evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In summer tan flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Pennisetum spathiolatum Hort.

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: poaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 1 FT - 3 FT - wide, 1 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: tan blooms in summer
Uses: movement, textural

GROWING CONDITIONS for Pennisetum spathiolatum Hort.

USDA Zones: 7a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A denizen of South Africa, this drought tolerant evergreen grass has low growing, narrow dark green blades that provide a verdant contrast to its tawny colored tapers. The dense, abundantly produced inflorescences hover on jointed nearly invisible stems, some 2 to 3 ft. tall, while fashioning a delightful see-through veil. Especially mesmerizing when grouped in a dry creek bed, a meadow or a water wise garden, the Slender Veldt Grass asks only for a well drained abode. Zone 6/7. (G-0511)

Gardening facts about Pennisetum spathiolatum Hort. plant

How to Grow Pennisetum spathiolatum Hort.

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • tan
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • grassy

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Pennisetum for your garden

aka Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum', Purple Fountain Grass, Rose Fountain Grass

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 3'-5'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular
Photo of Pennisetum x advena 'Rubrum' flower by carabou
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aka Foxtrot Fountain Grass

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 5'

Width: 4'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture
Photo of Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Foxtrot' flower by Obsessive Neurotic Gardener
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aka Karley Rose Fountain Grass

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - bright shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose' flower by Hans Mesker
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aka Purple Majesty Millet

Plant Type

Annual / Biennial

Zones

1-11

Size

Height: 3'-5'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - bright shade
  • even moisture - low
Photo of Pennisetum glaucum 'Purple Majesty' form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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aka Fountain Grass

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover, Grass / Grass Like

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 30"-5'

Width: 30"-5'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Pennisetum alopecuroides flower, form by aehack
View Plant

More Options

+28 more Pennisetum
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