The Pennisteums are known as the 'Fountain grasses' because of their layered dome shaped foliage clumps. They are covered in long attractive caterpillar-like flower heads in the late Summer, July onwards, lasting well into the first heavy frosts. Plant in full sun and a well drained but moist soil. They look great at the front, or slightly set back in a border, and make a lovely container specimen for a strategic spot.
From midsummer Pennisetum 'Red Buttons' forms masses of upright feathery purple-red flowers on thin stems above upright fresh green foliage. Perfect in a mixed or prairie border or in containers, as this variety may not be totally hardy in exposed areas some protection from winter frost and wet is advisable with a dry friable mulch around its crown, or by lifting or placing the grass in its container into a cool dry greenhouse.
