Product Description
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Grass-Ornamental, Dwarf Fountain Grass
Arching, upright, deep green foliage in summer, changes to orange-bronze in fall and eventually to beige in late fall. Foliage usually remains attractive throughout the winter.
More compact and shorter than the species, 'Hameln' has finely textured leaves that are especially lovely when backlit by the early morning or late afternoon sun. Soft, greenish-cream colored panicles begin to appear in midsummer, a few weeks earlier than the species. Silvery to pinkish-white, wheat-like flower spikes arch outward from the clump in late summer.
Pennisetum prefers to be grown in rich loamy soil with good drainage and full sun or light shade. However, it will grow in rocky or sandy soil as long as it remains fairly moist. This grass resents having "wet feet".
Height: 2.0-3.0 Feet
Spread: 1.0-2.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Tan shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer
Deer Resistant
Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln', also known as Hameln fountain grass, is a popular ornamental grass prized for its compact size, attractive foliage, and graceful flower plumes. It is a cultivar of Chinese fountain grass and is a versatile addition to a variety of garden settings. Here is a closer look at its key features:
Appearance:
- Arching Foliage: 'Hameln' forms a dense, mounded clump of slender, arching, deep green leaves. The foliage typically grows to about 1.5 to 2.5 feet tall, creating a soft, flowing texture.
- Fluffy Plumes: In late summer to early fall, it produces bottlebrush-like flower plumes that rise above the foliage. The plumes are initially pinkish-white and fade to a light tan or beige as they mature.
- Golden Fall Color: The foliage turns a lovely golden yellow in autumn, adding a warm glow to the garden.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial shade. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade, especially in hot summer climates.
- Soil: Adaptable to a wide range of soils, from moist to well-drained. It can even tolerate occasional flooding.
- Hardiness Zones: Suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5-9, making it a versatile choice for many gardeners.
Care:
- Low Maintenance: 'Hameln' is a relatively low-maintenance grass.
- Cutting Back: Cut back the foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every few years in spring to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
Uses:
- Borders: Adds texture, movement, and seasonal interest to borders and beds.
- Containers: Its compact size makes it well-suited for containers on patios and balconies.
- Mass Plantings: Creates a beautiful and calming effect when planted in groups.
- Rock Gardens: Its drought tolerance makes it suitable for rock gardens.
- Erosion Control: The strong root system helps to control erosion on slopes and banks.
Additional Information:
- Attracts Wildlife: The seed heads provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.
- Deer Resistant: Deer tend to avoid Pennisetum.
- Non-Invasive: 'Hameln' is not considered invasive and maintains a neat, clumping habit.
- Award Winner: It received the Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association Growers Choice Award in 2000.
If you are looking for a compact and attractive ornamental grass with graceful foliage, fluffy plumes, and a long season of interest, Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' is an excellent choice. It is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that will add beauty and texture to any sunny garden.
Twenty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 4.25 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
