Pennisetum alopecuroides Gelbstiel - Chinese Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Gelbstiel' is a compact and floriferous variety of grass. It is distinguished by its golden floral stems, giving it a unique charm. Its sparkling spike-like inflorescences are initially greenish, turning white with brown highlights when mature. Attractive from spring to autumn, it forms a beautiful fountain of very fine, slightly sharp foliage, which also displays beautiful autumn colours. It can be placed anywhere in beds of annuals and perennials, in rockeries, or even in a large container on a patio.

Pennisetum alopecuroides is a grass native to Northeast Asia and Australia. It belongs to the large Poaceae family. The 'Gelbstiel' grass, from which it descends, closely resembles the 'Hameln' variety, but displays straw yellow culms. The plant evokes a cascade of leaves and spikes, standing 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) tall and wide. The basal tuft is composed of very fine, trailing leaves with a unique glaucous colour. The flowering culms emerge from the vegetation in summer, bearing characteristic inflorescences composed of very silky spikelets, gathered in particularly bright spike-like structures, 10 to 15cm (4 to 6in) long. Their colour changes from green-white in spring to brown-beige-white in September-October, while the yellow hue of the stems intensifies. The foliage also celebrates the arrival of autumn by colouring itself in amber and gold, shining beautifully under the sun. The plant remains decorative during part of the winter, covering the remains of its vegetation with frost.

This relatively compact variety expresses all its delicacy by fitting in between slightly rigid perennials, such as dahlias or perovskias, and adds a touch of flexibility to any landscape. It can also be placed with lighter plants, such as yarrows, Lychnis coronaria, Verbena bonariensis, California poppies, or eupatoriums.

Pennisetum alopecuroides are very hardy and drought-resistant grasses that bring movement when cleverly placed between the stones of a rockery or on a wall. These grasses take on an incomparable shine in low light and highlight all perspectives, even in the smallest of gardens. In a flowery meadow or along a path, their spike-like structures are as silky to the touch as they appear. Pennisetum also has the advantage of limiting soil erosion through its very dense root system.