Ken’s Weekly Tips – Pennisetum – The plant that will tolerate a lot!

by Ken C | Last Updated: 25/08/2021

This Customer has a number of beds that run down to the river, and so the water table is pretty high – especially during the winter months.

We’ve tried a lot of different plants in this location, but what’s done surprisingly well is Pennisetum otherwise known as Fountain Grass.

The mass of bristly bottlebrush spikes held upright or arching, like fountains, above slender, elegant foliage distinguishes Pennisetum from other grasses.

The blooms are typically creamy or biscuit-color, some with pink or burgundy highlights, and many of them retain their appeal throughout autumn and into the winter.

Ken Crowther is an award winning broadcaster, author and member of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture. He has been gardening for over 50 years and his knowledge and experience are drawn on to provide advice and information about garden design, plants for all seasons, gardening techniques and gardening tips. Gardening with Ken's broad appeal means he reaches a wide audience across the UK from amateur gardeners to top level horticulturists.