Pennisetum Hameln

Hameln Fountain Grass forms a compact clump of fine green foliage topped with soft, silvery-white bottlebrush plumes. The flowers appear from late summer into fall, then age to warm tan and continue adding movement and texture into winter. Its smaller size works well in sunny borders, foundation beds, mass plantings, and containers. Available for local pickup from Towns Edge Nursery.

Plant details

• Botanical name: Cenchrus alopecuroides 'Hameln' (syn. Pennisetum alopecuroides)
• Light: Full sun; tolerates light part shade with fewer flowers
• USDA zones: 5-9
• Mature size: About 2-3 ft tall x 2-3 ft wide
• Foliage: Green during the growing season, turning golden tan in fall
• Flowers or feature: Silvery-white to buff bottlebrush plumes
• Bloom season: Late summer through fall
• Water: Average; prefers fertile, well-drained soil and tolerates short dry periods once established
• Growth habit: Compact, arching and clump-forming
• Landscape uses: Sunny border, foundation bed, mass planting, edging, container, cut or dried flowers
• Deer tolerance: Generally deer resistant, not deer-proof

South Carolina garden note: Give Hameln strong sun and good air circulation in Zone 8b for the best plume production.

Plant size and performance vary with climate, soil, pruning and care. Availability changes with nursery inventory.