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Pennisetum alopecuroides ( pen - ih - SEE - tum , al - oh - pek - yur - OY - deez ) is an ornamental weed belonging to the mob Gramineae , and hailing from Asia , Africa , and a variety of other temperate , tropical and subtropical mood around the earthly concern .
More onLandscaping with Ornamental Grass
There are over eighty specie contained within this genus , Poaceae .
‘ Hameln ’ is a midget coinage which is one of the oldest cultivars of this genus .
This attractive , intrepid grass is a good choice in preferences where taller ornamental grasses would be too big .
It blooms early in the time of year and does well in clime experiencing myopic growing season .
You may see this mintage referred to as Dwarf Fountain Grass or plainly Hameln .
Another democratic grass is Pennisetum setaceum ‘ Rubrum ’ ( violet fountain grass ) – Learn fountain grass care .
Dwarf Fountain Grass Care
Size & Growth
Hameln has a moderate growth rate and pass on a height of 2′ or 3′ feet and a cattle ranch of 1′ or 2′ human foot .
It is good to place the plants 20″ to 30″ inches apart .
The plants ’ recollective , sharp , arching parting embark on out like a burnished green and gradually transition to golden brown as the time of year progress .
leaf typically emerge forthwith from the soil and do not have stems .
Flowering & Fragrance
The industrial plant ’ blossoming has abottle brushappearance .
It begins blooming mid - summertime and persists into mid - autumn .
The flower headway go through a number of changes from starting signal to finish , transitioning from sick unripe to white to a harvest gold as they turn from flush to semen .
Although there are many seeds on each cum head , this plant does not reseed itself .
Seed straits do make a good source of food for birds .
Light & Temperature
Soil & Transplanting
Dwarf Fountain Grass does well in almost any character of soil as long as it is well - draining .
For best solution , amend the grease with quite a little of organic issue to offer innate fertilization .
Transplant bare - root plant late in the springtime when the grunge is thoroughly warmed .
If you constitute too early in the springtime , the cold , damp temperatures may get root rot .
If Hameln industrial plant are planted during autumn , be sure to do so at least four calendar week before the first prognosticate frost .
This will give the flora time to establish themselves before winter arrives .
Grooming & Maintenance
In the springtime , when your plants get down to grow , check to see if they postulate to be thinned and part .
This is also the time to provide a low-cal pruning , which will further bushier growth .
It ’s also overbold to rationalise forth dead leafage early on in the wintertime .
How To Propagate Pennisetum Alopecuroides
Dwarf Fountain Grass may be develop by sowing seed directly into the disposed bed in the springtime after all risk of frost has decease .
Be certain to keep the grunge evenly moist until plants begin to grow and become established .
Or propagate Hameln by partition .
As industrial plant age , the centers open , and you ’ll see the newfangled stems originate around the margins of the industrial plant .
When you see this , you ’ll know it ’s time to part the plant into two or more small plant .
Generally speaking , you ’ll need to do division once every 5 or 10 year .
Pennisetum Alopecuroides Pest or Disease Problems
This hardy grass is not ordinarily put out by any kind of gadfly , and it is deer resistant .
When right cared for , uncrowded , and planted in well - draining grease , the disease is not problematic .
Is Pennisetum Toxic Or Poisonous?
This grass is not toxic .
The seeds provide a intellectual nourishment source for hoot , and the blades are edible to some types of livestock and wildlife in Africa ; however , the blades are sharp .
Take care not to plant this grass in heavily traveled areas as nonessential cuts can occur .
When pruning , be sure to assume gloves , long sleeves , and eye protection .
Keep in mind the gash stubble is also sharp .
Is The Pennisetum Plant Invasive?
Dwarf Fountain Grass is not name as an invasive species , and it does not reseed itself .
Suggested Dwarf Fountain Grass Uses
This bird - favorable nanus plant fix a lovely specimen plant life in a little bungalow , Zen , or Asiatic garden .
It makes a pretty moulding around a pond and casts a adorable reflection on the water‘s surface .
Hameln is a good tall molding plant or tall groundcover , and it take care endearing in teetotal streambeds , mix in in with flowering perennial or as an addition to a bird garden .
Individual plants can do well in big containers .
