Pennisetum a. ‘Desert Plains’ PP20751 (30)ct Flat

Description

Product Description

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Desert Plains’ PP20751 (30)ct FlatCommon Name: Grass-Ornamental, Fountain Grass

This large fountain makes a great focal point in a sunny landscape. It is easy to grow as long as full sun is provided. Many consider it to be the best hardy Pennisetum available today. ‘Desert Plains’, a seedling of ‘Cassian’, has an improved habit and flowering performance over ‘Cassian’.

The finely textured, narrow, green leaves form a beautiful upright vase-shaped clump. Beginning in midsummer, the tips of the foliage begin to turn deep red and the entire clump transitions to shades of orange and gold in fall. Showy 5” bottlebrush plumes held above the foliage emerge smoky purple and age to tan.

Ornamental Grasses of the PRAIRIE WINDS® Collection add graceful texture and movement to the garden. These varieties thrive in full sun growing conditions and are proven deer resistant.

The PRAIRIE WINDS® trademark is owned by Walters Gardens, Inc.

Height: 3.0-4.0 FeetSpread: 3.0-4.0 FeetHardiness Zones: 5,6,7,8,9Flower Color: Tan shadesFoliage Color: Green shadesFull Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun)Low to Average Water NeedsAverage to Fertile Soil QualityBloomtime: Early FallDeer ResistantFall ColorGrowth Rate: Medium

Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Cut Foliage, Easy To Grow, Attractive Foliage, Mass Planting

Pennisetum a. ‘Desert Plains’ (commonly known as fountain grass ) is a cultivar of the Pennisetum alopecuroides species . It is a warm-season ornamental grass that is known for its attractive foliage and showy flower plumes. This cultivar is an excellent choice for adding texture, movement, and a touch of drama to sunny gardens.

Pennisetum a. ‘Desert Plains’ forms a dense, upright clump of gracefully arching, linear leaves that create a beautiful vase-shaped clump. The foliage starts bright green in summer, then the tips begin to turn a deep red as the season progresses. In fall, the entire clump transitions to warm shades of orange and gold, providing multi-seasonal interest. In mid to late summer, large, smoky purple, bottlebrush-like flower plumes emerge above the foliage. These plumes resemble foxtails and add a touch of whimsy to the garden. They age to a tan color and look particularly stunning when backlit by the sun.

This cultivar is an improvement over older cultivars like ‘Cassian’ and ‘Hameln’ in habit, flowering performance, and fall color. It is hardy in USDA zones 5-9, making it suitable for various climates. At maturity, it will attain a height of 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide. It is not prone to reseeding. The Pennisetum alopecuroides species is native to Asia and Australia.

How to Grow To successfully cultivate Pennisetum a. ‘Desert Plains’, choose a site with full sun and well-drained soil. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide and slightly deeper than the root ball. Remove the grass from its nursery container and tease out roots if potbound. Set the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level or slightly higher than the surrounding soil to allow for settling. Backfill the hole with soil, tamp down slightly to remove air pockets, and water well.

While fountain grass can tolerate a wide range of soils, it prefers amended soil with good drainage. Water plants regularly until established.

Ideal Growing Conditions Pennisetum a. ‘Desert Plains’ thrives in full sun and can tolerate both hot and dry as well as humid conditions. It is easy to grow as long as full sun is provided. Although it prefers fairly dry soils and is drought tolerant once established, it also grows in moist, but well-drained soils. Once established, it will tolerate a bit of drought, but flowers better, and develops better color, if provided with a deep watering during periods of extended drought.

Care and Maintenance Pennisetum a. ‘Desert Plains’ is a relatively low-maintenance plant. Here is how to care for it:

• Watering: Water regularly until established, then only occasionally in dry conditions.
• Fertilizing: It does not require fertilizer, but if desired you can apply a small amount of all-purpose garden fertilizer in spring. Be sure to water it in thoroughly.
• Pruning: Cut back old foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring, before new growth emerges.
• Deadheading: Deadheading is not required.

Potential Uses Pennisetum a. ‘Desert Plains’ is a versatile plant that can be used in various ways in the landscape. It is welcomed in any garden style and can be used as a specimen plant, in groups, or en masse. Here are some design ideas:

• Specimen Plant: Its impressive size and attractive form make it a great choice as a specimen plant in a sunny border.
• Mass Plantings: Create a dramatic effect by planting ‘Desert Plains’ en masse, forming a sea of colorful foliage and plumes.
• Borders: Use it in borders to add height, texture, and contrast with other perennials.
• Containers: Its manageable size makes it suitable for container gardening, adding a vertical accent to patios and decks.
• Meadow Gardens: Combine with other native wildflowers and grasses for a naturalized look.
• Erosion Control: Its dense root system makes it a good choice for stabilizing slopes and preventing erosion.

It is ideal in beds and borders where it provides texture, color, and contrast, great in naturalistic prairies and meadows, and absolutely lovely beside ponds or streams where its graceful form is reflected in the water.

It can also be used as a vertical element in a large container to create a focal point in your garden.

The foliage and flowers can be left standing in winter to provide interest and cover for wildlife. It makes excellent cut flowers for fresh and dried arrangements.

Pennisetum a. ‘Desert Plains’ is a beautiful and versatile ornamental grass that is a great addition to any sunny garden. It is an improvement over older cultivars, with a superior habit, more prolific flowering, and stunning fall color. This low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and deer-resistant plant is a great choice for busy gardeners. With its attractive foliage, showy flower plumes, and adaptability to various growing conditions, ‘Desert Plains’ is incredibly versatile. Use it for erosion control, as a focal point in containers, or simply to add texture and movement to your garden. ‘Desert Plains’ is sure to be a favorite in your garden for years to come.

Twenty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3in deep x 2in wide.

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