Lovegrass Farm: Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' Ornamental Grass at Lovegrass Farm in P.E.I.

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'
Backlit by the Setting Sun in the Fall

Pennisetum (pen-niss-SEE-tum) alopecuroides (al-oh-pek-yur-OY-deez) is commonly called Fountain Grass because the foliage arches near the tip giving the plant a graceful fountain shape. It is a Warm Season Grass; often late coming up in the Spring. 'Hameln' is a compact form reaching 2 - 3 ft. or (60 - 90 cm.) tall in flower. Especially suited along a walkway where you can reach down and touch the bottle brush like inflorescences. The creamy white flowers are shaped like a fox's tail and make superb cut material for bouquets. The foliage turns amber gold in the fall. It's leaves are only 1/4 " or (7 mm.) wide. Hameln grows best with regular moisture but is drought-tolerant once established. Make sure your soil is well-drained where you place it. The most important factor to consider is placing it so that it can be back lit by the rising and setting sun. It is at it's loveliest when covered with dew or frost and back lit by the sun!