Pennisetum alopecuroides Goldstrich - Chinese Fountain Grass

The Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Goldstrich' resembles the variety 'Hameln', but the golden-yellow flower stems bear its white flower heads with brown highlights at the end of the season. They inevitably evoke large, silky, plump and gracefully arched caterpillars, which have earned it the name of feather grass. Attractive from spring to autumn, this undemanding little grass forms a beautiful fountain of fabulous foliage adorned with beautiful autumn colours. It can be placed anywhere in annual and perennial beds, rockeries, or a large container on a patio.

Pennisetum alopecuroides is a grass native to Northeast Asia and Australia and belongs to the Poaceae family. The 'Goldstrich' feather grass evokes a cascade of leaves and spikes, 60 cm (24in) tall and wide. The basal tuft comprises wonderful, trailing leaves with a peculiar glaucous colour. The flowering culms emerge from the vegetation in summer, bearing characteristic inflorescences from July to September. They are composed of very silky spikelets gathered in particularly thick panicles, 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) long. Their colour changes from spring green-white to brown-beige-white in September-October, while the yellow hue of the stems intensifies. The foliage also celebrates the arrival of autumn with a flourish, turning bright red and orange under the sun. During the winter, the plant looks attractive when covered in frost.

This plant variety is small yet delicate and can add a touch of flexibility to any landscape by fitting in between more rigid perennials like dahlias or perovskias. It can also be paired with lighter plants such as yarrows, Verbena bonariensis, Californian poppies or eupatoriums. By combining these plants, you can create a beautiful, attractive, and visually appealing garden. The Pennisetum alopecuroides are very hardy grasses and resistant to summer drought that bring movement to flower beds strategically placed between rocks in a rockery or on a wall. These grasses take on an incomparable brilliance in low light and transparently emphasise all perspectives, even in the smallest of gardens. The Pennisetum also has the advantage of limiting erosion through its dense root system.