Product specifications and features

Product Description

Pennisetum Alopecuroides Red Head

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Red Head’ - A Graceful Ornamental Grass with Striking PlumesAdd texture, movement, and elegance to your garden with Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Red Head’, a stunning ornamental grass known for its graceful, arching foliage and large, deep purple-red flower plumes. As summer progresses, the soft, feathery plumes mature to smoky purple, creating a dramatic contrast against the lush green foliage. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant grass is perfect for borders, prairie-style planting, containers, and wildlife gardens, offering year-round interest and providing a valuable food source for birds in autumn and winter.

Plant DescriptionFoliage: Graceful, arching green leaves turning golden in autumnFlowers: Large, smoky purple-red, bottlebrush plumes appearing from late summer to autumnPosition: Ideal for borders, mixed plantings, containers, and prairie gardensFlowering Period: Late summer to autumn (July to October)Height & Spread: 90-120cm tall, spread 60-90cm
How to GrowPlanting Time: SpringDepth & Spacing:✅ Plant 2-3cm (1 inch) deep, ensuring roots are well-covered✅ Space 50-80cm (20-32 inches) apart to allow for natural spreadingSoil Type: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil, but tolerates poor, dry, or sandy conditionsSunlight: Full sun for best flowering
Care Tips:✅ Water regularly until established; drought-tolerant once mature✅ Cut back old foliage in early spring to encourage fresh growth✅ Dividing every 3-4 years helps maintain plant health and vigour✅ Leave seed heads through winter to provide food for birds and winter interest
With its bold plumes, elegant movement, and architectural presence, Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Red Head’ is a must-have for modern and naturalistic gardens. Whether planted in borders, containers, or alongside perennials, this ornamental grass guarantees a long-lasting display while attracting pollinators and wildlife.
Bare root sent in 15 x 22cm capper

Specs & Details

Established height
90-120cm
Established spread
60-90cm
Plant spacing
3 bulbs per m²
Flower colour
Red, Purple
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Clump-forming

Features

  • Perennial (Regrows)

  • Thrives Full Sun

  • Full Hardy

Plant Calendar

 

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Plant

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From March To April

Harvest

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
From April To May

FAQs

Please read our FAQs page to find out more.

Can I plant Pennisetum grass now in the UK?

Late spring is the best time to plant Pennisetum, once the soil has warmed up and hard frosts have passed. As a warm-season grass, it starts growing later than many other garden plants and produces its soft, bottlebrush flower heads from late summer onwards.

Does Pennisetum come back every year?

This depends on the type. Some Pennisetum are hardy perennials that return each spring, while others are frost-tender and are often treated as seasonal plants or overwintered in a frost-free place. Check the product details for the hardiness of your chosen plant.

Where is the best place to grow Pennisetum?

Pennisetum grows best in full sun, in light to moderately fertile soil that drains freely. It does not perform well in deep shade or heavy ground that remains wet through winter.

Can I grow Pennisetum in a pot?

Yes. Pennisetum makes an excellent container plant and adds height and movement to patio displays. Use a large pot with drainage holes, water in dry weather and move tender types to a frost-free greenhouse, shed or conservatory before winter.

When should I cut back Pennisetum grass?

Leave the faded foliage and flower plumes in place through winter, then cut the clump back close to the ground in late winter or early spring. This protects the crown during colder weather and makes room for fresh new growth.

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