Planting, flowering, cultivation and care

Presentation of the pennisetum

What light and exposure is ideal for the pennisetum?

For this perennial grass, it is recommended to choose a location exposed to the sun. However, she adapts to a place at the partial shade.

What is the ideal temperature for swabbing grass?

The hardiness of different species and varieties of Pennisetum differs. When purchasing one of these plants, it will therefore be important to ensure that its resistance to cold is suitable to the region in which you live. Indeed, some can withstand temperatures up to -25°C, like Pennisetum alopecuroides, while others, like P. villosum or P. setaceum, are much less hardy. The latter species are generally grown as annuals. At any rate, pennisetum likes heat.

Watering the pennisetum

Generally, plants of the Pennisetum genus are quite resistant to drought as long as they are well established. But since they appreciate cool soils, you should not neglect to water your plant in the event of a prolonged period of drought or extreme heat. feel free to install plant mulch around his foot to keep the ground cool. If you grow your pennisetum in a pot, regular watering will be necessary, because the substrate dries more quickly.

What types of soil and fertilizer for swabbing grass?

Earth

Generally speaking, pennisetum adapts to many types of soil as long as they are light and well drained.

• For growing in potsyou will have to turn to a rich potting soil added to sand.
• In the open ground, If the soil is too heavy, it may be necessary to add sand or gravel to your garden soil. This will promote drainage.

Fertilizer

If the soil on your land is rather poor, it is recommended to add compost in spring, after having folded the tuft. This way the plant will benefit from nutrients when its foliage renews. If you grow your pennisetum in a pot, it will appreciate un addition of organic fertilizer at the very beginning of spring.

Planting the pennisetum

This superb grass will be installed at spring. It can be planted in a pot or in the ground. In both cases, it is essential to ensure that the substrate is well drained.

In the open ground

If you want to create a massif, plan 5 to 7 feet per square meter. If you want to create a border, space your feet 30 to 40 centimeters apart. For planting you can proceed as follows:

• After digging the planting hole, install a bed of gravel at the bottom.
• Install the root ball in the hole, leaving about 3 centimeters between ground level and the top of the root ball.
• Fill the hole with soil, after having decompacted it well. Do not hesitate to add sand if the soil is too heavy and dense.
• Pack, then water generously.

Pot

Choose a terracotta pot with a pierced bottom. Be careful that it is deep enough. Then proceed as follows:

• Install a drainage bed made up of clay balls or gravel at the bottom of the pot.
• Install your plant in your pot.
• Fill the pot with a mixture of garden soil and potting soil.
• Pack, then water.
• Your pot is ready to be installed in the sun.

If necessary, repot your plant in spring.

How to propagate grass with swabs?

To multiply your pennisetum, the best solution is to divide the plant when it is sufficiently important. In addition to allowing you to benefit from one or more other plants, this technique allows the root system to renew itself and thus boost the mother plant. This operation must be carried out between March and April as follows:

• Dig up the plant using a garden fork.
• Divide your plant into several parts.
• Immediately replant each of the parts obtained in the previously prepared soil.
• Finally carry out copious watering.

How to prune the pennisetum?

In spring, just cut back the clump of leaves to 20 centimeters. By doing it at this time, this allows you to benefit from dry herbs throughout the winter. They will bring a lot of charm to your exterior.

Maintenance of the pennisetum

It is an easy-to-grow plant that does not require no special care.

Species and varieties of the Pennisetum genus: there are a large number of them

There are around 80 species of pennisetum which differ by their hardiness, the shape and color of their flowers and their leaves. Among those :

• Pennisetum alopecuroides;
• Pennisetum ruppelli;
• Pennisetum clandestinum;
• Pennisetum glaucum;
• Pennisetum Orientale;
• Pennisetum villosum;
• etc

The 5 points to remember about the pennisetum

• Pennisetum is a perennial grass which easily finds its place in a flowerbed, on the edge, in isolation, etc., both in the ground and in a pot.
• It brings a graphic touch to gardens with its very airy appearance.
• It is an easy plant to grow which thrives in the sun, preferably in drained soil.
• The pennisetum requires little maintenance, simply cut back the clump in early spring.
• In addition to drought, it tolerates sea spray and strong winds very well.