Pennisetum is found worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate areas. Species are used as a type of millet.
Smokey pink foxtails shimmer in the slightest breeze. Wonderful in containers or garden beds from spring through frost.
| Plant Types: | Annual, Grass |
| Light: | Full Sun |
| Height: | 2 feet to 3 feet |
| Bloom Color: | Purple |
| Bloom Seasons: | Early spring, Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall, Late fall |
| Fertilizer: | Composted Yard Trimmings |
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Propagate by division in spring or early summer, or by seeds in early spring. Some species self-seed at high rates.
Feathery, bottlebrush or bushy, foxtail like seed heads. Annuals and hardy and tender perennials. Clump forming grasses. Grows best in full sun. Works well as part of a border or rock garden. The spikelets make nice additions to a fresh or dried flower ensemble.
Bears bristly, feathery spikelets. Some are purple, others are yellow and pink.
Average to rich, well-draining soil.
In areas where plants are not hardy, mulch during dry winters.
Cut out dead top growth in late winter or early spring, before the new growing season. In warmer areas, self-sowing species can become invasive.
Pennisetum is prone to rust, eye spot, and leaf spots.