This large fountain grass makes a great focal point in a sunny landscape. It is easy to grow as long as full sun is provided. Many consider it to be the best hardy Pennisetum available today.
'Desert Plains' is a seedling of 'Cassian' discovered by Gary Trucks of Amber Wave Gardens in West Michigan. It has an improved habit, flowering performance, and fall color, over 'Cassian' and 'Hameln'.
The finely textured, narrow, green leaves form a beautiful upright vase-shaped clump. Beginning in midsummer, the tips of the foliage begin to turn deep red and the entire clump transitions to shades of orange and gold in fall. Showy 5” bottlebrush plumes held above the foliage emerge smoky purple and age to tan.
Ornamental Grasses of the PRAIRIE WINDS® Collection add graceful texture and movement to the garden. These varieties thrive in full sun growing conditions and are proven deer resistant.
The PRAIRIE WINDS® trademark is owned by Walters Gardens, Inc.
30ct Plug Tray |
72ct Plug Tray |
Height:
3.0-4.0 Feet
Spread:
3.0-4.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones:
5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color:
Tan shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Low Water Needs Average Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Early Fall
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest:
Dried Seed Heads Fall Color
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Patio Container Eclectic Modern
Other Features:
Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Easy To Grow Attractive Foliage Mass Planting Specimen Focal Point
Origin:
Not Native to North America
Pennisetum prefers to be grown in rich loamy soil with good drainage and full sun or light shade. However, it will grow in rocky or sandy soil as long as it remains fairly moist. This grass resents having "wet feet".
Container:
Premium 1 Gallon Pot
When to Plant:
Summer - late summer or spring
Finish:
7-9 weeks
Notes:
Save finished 1 gallon plants to step up into 3-5 gallon containers in the fall. This will yield large plants for the following season.
Container:
Trade 1 Gallon Container
When to Plant:
Late spring to mid summer
Finish:
10-12 weeks
Growing Temperature:
Rooting out: 65-72° F
Growing: 65-72° F
Holding Temperature:
40-50° F outdoors
Soil PH:
5.8-6.2
EC (What is EC?):
2.0-3.5 pour through method
Fertility:
Pennisetums are moderate feeders, use 100-150ppm constant liquid fertilization.
Vernalization:
Required for flowering. Provide 12 weeks of cold.
Pests & Diseases:
Pennisetums are generally pest-free plants. One of the reasons we enjoy growing them is because of their pest and disease resistance. They rarely have to be treated. However, scouting is still recommended as a practice of good IPM. When scouting, watch for mites, aphids, and thrips. If the plants are overwatered, watch for root and crown rots.
Potting & Timing:
Pennisetum prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. Most varieties of Pennisetum we offer are cold hardy perennials down to zone 5. In cooler fall temperatures, many varieties amp up their foliage color for a spectacular fall display.
Moisture:
For potting soil use professional planting media.
Pennisetum grows best in consistently moist soil but can easily handle drier soils. They do not tolerate over-watering well. Grown in rich loamy soils, Pennisetum will flourish. While they can be grown in rocky or sandy soils, extra care should be taken to make sure adequate water is available.
Planting Level:
Place crown at the soil level.
Lighting:
Requires long days to grow and flower. High light levels required.
Other Comments:
Pennisetums look beautiful when left standing in the winter with frost and snow cover. They are best trimmed back in the spring to 3-4 inches from the ground. However, these plants tend to be very attractive to rodents over the winter, especially in the greenhouse, so if a winter display is not desired they should be trimmed back in late fall. Plants may overwinter better if planted in the ground, but they can be successfully overwintered in containers if they are kept covered and protected in a poly-covered house.
Grower Tips:
Warm season grasses such as Pennisetum are best planted in early to mid summer to allow time for them bulk for spring sales the following year.
Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluation Top Performer -- 2018
Height:
3.0-4.0 Feet
Spread:
3.0-4.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones:
5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color:
Tan shades
Foliage Color:
Green shades
Sunlight:
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Water Requirements:
Low Water Needs Average Water Needs
Soil Quality:
Average Soil Quality Fertile Soil Quality
Soil Chemistry:
Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
Bloomtime:
Early Fall
Critter Resistant:
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest:
Dried Seed Heads Fall Color
Growth Rate:
Medium
Garden Style:
Patio Container Eclectic Modern
Other Features:
Border Plant Container Cut Flower Cut Foliage Dried Flower Easy To Grow Attractive Foliage Mass Planting Specimen Focal Point
Origin:
Not Native to North America
Pennisetum prefers to be grown in rich loamy soil with good drainage and full sun or light shade. However, it will grow in rocky or sandy soil as long as it remains fairly moist. This grass resents having "wet feet".
Container:
Premium 1 Gallon Pot
When to Plant:
Summer - late summer or spring
Finish:
7-9 weeks
Notes:
Save finished 1 gallon plants to step up into 3-5 gallon containers in the fall. This will yield large plants for the following season.
Container:
Trade 1 Gallon Container
When to Plant:
Late spring to mid summer
Finish:
10-12 weeks
Growing Temperature:
Rooting out: 65-72° F
Growing: 65-72° F
Holding Temperature:
40-50° F outdoors
Soil PH:
5.8-6.2
EC (What is EC?):
2.0-3.5 pour through method
Fertility:
Pennisetums are moderate feeders, use 100-150ppm constant liquid fertilization.
Vernalization:
Required for flowering. Provide 12 weeks of cold.
Pests & Diseases:
Pennisetums are generally pest-free plants. One of the reasons we enjoy growing them is because of their pest and disease resistance. They rarely have to be treated. However, scouting is still recommended as a practice of good IPM. When scouting, watch for mites, aphids, and thrips. If the plants are overwatered, watch for root and crown rots.
Potting & Timing:
Pennisetum prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. Most varieties of Pennisetum we offer are cold hardy perennials down to zone 5. In cooler fall temperatures, many varieties amp up their foliage color for a spectacular fall display.
Moisture:
For potting soil use professional planting media.
Pennisetum grows best in consistently moist soil but can easily handle drier soils. They do not tolerate over-watering well. Grown in rich loamy soils, Pennisetum will flourish. While they can be grown in rocky or sandy soils, extra care should be taken to make sure adequate water is available.
Planting Level:
Place crown at the soil level.
Lighting:
Requires long days to grow and flower. High light levels required.
Other Comments:
Pennisetums look beautiful when left standing in the winter with frost and snow cover. They are best trimmed back in the spring to 3-4 inches from the ground. However, these plants tend to be very attractive to rodents over the winter, especially in the greenhouse, so if a winter display is not desired they should be trimmed back in late fall. Plants may overwinter better if planted in the ground, but they can be successfully overwintered in containers if they are kept covered and protected in a poly-covered house.
Grower Tips:
Warm season grasses such as Pennisetum are best planted in early to mid summer to allow time for them bulk for spring sales the following year.
Chicago Botanic Garden Plant Evaluation Top Performer -- 2018
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