Some grasses need to be called ornamental if they want to be noticed as though it was not enough for them to look the way they look and be decorative. I am sure that my observation reflects the quite harsh reality almost all grasses have to experience: being a grass is not sufficient to be satisfactory. Of course, there are exceptions and a lot of people like grasses but that appreciation requires preliminary good will and effort: to place structure and texture before colour( which is almost always green), and that is not easy. However, the moment you reshape your expectations a little, you will see a wonderfully subtle world of straight lines and wavy curves, all dressed in various kinds of green tones and undertones (sometimes other paints as well) and fascinating intricate inflorescences. How about a short encounter with Pennisetum alopecuroides, a very uncommon grass commonly known as Chinese fountain grass? I am sure it can reshape and enrich all your expectations. Let us start!
Looking at the photos of Chinese fountain grass is a good way of deepening our understanding of grasses but growing the grass itself in the garden is far better. Fortunately, there are numerous cultivars of perennial Chinese fountain grass which differ in size, shade of green as well as shape and colour of the inflorescences. They all form dense clumps of long and narrow leaves. They are rather tough and can have sharp edges so caution is required while working with them. The leaves form graceful arches and turn slightly brown in winter time. But before it happens, in late summer the grassy stack produces long stems topped with fuzzy pink and silver flower spikes. The colour of bristles may vary depending on cultivar, but they always look spectacular, even in winter covered with frost.
Pennisetum alopecuroides grows well in every garden providing the soil is rich, reasonably moist and well- drained. The roots of the grass do not like excessive water although the grass looks great near water bodies. The plant requires a lot of sun, which guarantees abundant flowering. It also grows perfectly well in big containers placed in sheltered places. Being rather frost -hardy, Pennisetum may need some extra protection in severe winters. Do not worry in the spring when you cannot see any new growth, the young leaves wake up rather late.
Chinese fountain grass is a great choice for flower beds to accompany annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees. The fluffy spikes catch both raindrops and sun rays and fill the garden with light reflections only grasses can do.
The ornamental inflorescences are also good for dry decorations. The best time for collecting the hairy flower spikes is when they have just fully developed. When the seeds get mature, it is too late as the inflorescences tend to fall into pieces then. In this case you need to be watchful.
Apart form perennial Pennisetums, I recommend Pennisetum villosum, which is an annual species and-no wonder- fully ornamental.
Pennisetum alopecuroides grows well in every garden providing the soil is rich, reasonably moist and well- drained. The roots of the grass do not like excessive water although the grass looks great near water bodies. The plant requires a lot of sun, which guarantees abundant flowering. It also grows perfectly well in big containers placed in sheltered places. Being rather frost -hardy, Pennisetum may need some extra protection in severe winters. Do not worry in the spring when you cannot see any new growth, the young leaves wake up rather late.
Chinese fountain grass is a great choice for flower beds to accompany annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees. The fluffy spikes catch both raindrops and sun rays and fill the garden with light reflections only grasses can do.
The ornamental inflorescences are also good for dry decorations. The best time for collecting the hairy flower spikes is when they have just fully developed. When the seeds get mature, it is too late as the inflorescences tend to fall into pieces then. In this case you need to be watchful.
Apart form perennial Pennisetums, I recommend Pennisetum villosum, which is an annual species and-no wonder- fully ornamental.
Jarek
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