Pennisetum macrourum P9 (0.5l)

Pennisetum macrourum – a tall, elegant ornamental grass valued for its graceful movement and long-lasting cigar-like flower plumes. Forming upright clumps 1–1.5 m tall (and spreading steadily over time), it produces slender stems topped with soft, creamy-white, long-bottlebrush-like flowers from mid to late summer, ageing to pale tan and holding well into autumn.

We grow it here in partial shade and it does very well. Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant. Ideal for prairie-style planting, mixed borders, or naturalistic schemes, where its height and movement add structure and softness. They grow best in a sunny well drained spot though ours do well in a partially shaded spot. The seed heads look great through autumn and into winter where you might see some acrobatic birds, including Bullfinches and Goldfinches, enjoying the seeds.