Pennisetum incomptum

The Pennisetum incomptum is a robust perennial grass that is very hardy and tolerant of soil, spray, and drought. Made for large, slightly wild spaces, it is easy to contain in a large pot. This conquering species forms a large tuft with an upright, somewhat blurry habit of green-grey colour, attractive from the beginning of summer due to its early flowering. Its long, swaying spikes dominate the shifting mass of foliage, like fine plumes evolving from silver-green to beige-brown at the end of the season. This species has a trailing root system that needs to be controlled. Very easy to grow and undemanding, it is an ideal plant for large sunny beds, even in poor or occasionally dry soil in summer.

The Pennisetum incomptum is a grass native to northern China and belongs to the large Poaceae family. This grass with fluffy panicles develops from a powerful rhizomatous base. At maturity and in full bloom, it will form tufts over a metre high, expanding without theoretical limit over the years. Unlike other Pennisetum, this species has a somewhat upright habit. The basal tuft consists of long, very thin leaves of a slightly glaucous grey-green colour. The flowering culms emerge from the vegetation in June-July, carrying upright flower heads composed of very silky spikelets gathered in thin spikes, 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10in) long. Their colour evolves from silver-green to beige-brown in September-October. The foliage turns straw yellow in autumn. The plant remains decorative for a good part of winter and looks stunning covered in frost.

This vigorous grass provides a natural solution for landscaping difficult areas to retain a dry slope, ensure the decor of an urban space or a contemporary-style bed, or keep any unwanted intruders out. It requires space and lots of sun to express all its qualities, and it accepts areas beaten by winds and coastal climates. It could be associated with other large grasses such as Miscanthus or pampas grass and with vigorous shrubs and perennials such as Russian sage, broom, perennial sunflowers, or tall thistles. Grasses bring a suppleness to any landscape without overshadowing the beauty of their companions. Pennisetum allows for movement in beds strategically placed between rocks in a rock garden or on a wall. Don't deprive yourself of your sense of touch either: their panicles are as silky to the touch as they appear.