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Pennisetum macrourum White Lancer - African feather grass

Pennisetum macrourum White Lancer
African feather Grass

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More information

Graceful and tall grass with long cottony spikes ranging from white to beige, a very soft colour that brings lightness to autumn borders. Its fine and long leaves remain during winter in mild climates. Not very hardy, but relatively resistant to drought, this Pennisetum thrives in sunny positions in well-drained soil, not too moist in winter. In colder regions, it should be grown in pots to be stored during winter, or used as an annual.
Flower size
30 cm
Height at maturity
1.10 m
Spread at maturity
50 cm
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -9°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time March to May
Recommended planting time March to June, September to October
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Flowering time July to September
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Description

Pennisetum macrourum is a stunningly large grass with a fine and delicate texture. It blooms abundantly during late summer, reaching human height through long, cottony spikes that start white but gradually turn beige. This African grass, commonly known as 'fluffy grass', is not particularly hardy but is one of the most elegant and ornamental varieties. It often does not lose its leaves during winter in mild climates.

Pennisetum macrourum is a member of the large family of Poaceae. It is a type of plant that is native to southern and tropical Africa as well as Yemen. This plant cannot withstand cold temperatures below -10°C. It is a perennial and rhizomatous grass with a relatively upright and narrow growth habit. Upon reaching maturity, it produces a clump of flowers that measure approximately 1.80 m (5.9 ft) in height. One of its most exciting features is its long, thin leaves that measure 50 to 60 cm (23.6 in) in length and do not drop in winter in warm regions. These leaves are a bright, medium-green colour. Flowering usually begins in early August, depending on the climate. Numerous slightly arched stems emerge from the foliage, each bearing a cottony cylindrical inflorescence at their tip. The inflorescence forms a fluffy spike approximately 20 cm (7.9 in) long. The colour of the inflorescence changes from white to beige and remains decorative for a long time. If the conditions are right, the rhizome fragments of this Pennisetum can create a new plant. However, it is considered invasive in New Zealand and some areas of the United States.

 

Pennisetum macrourum thrives in warm weather, making it challenging to grow as a fully perennial plant in colder regions. However, it can be grown as an annual or in a pot and overwintered in a cold greenhouse. This grass prefers sunny spots with light, well-drained soil, even if it's slightly dry. It adds a lot of elegance to large flower pots and summer and autumn flower beds, especially when paired with tall perennials like Asters or Echinaceas. The spikelets of this grass look stunning in bouquets, whether they're dried or fresh, and they complement dahlias beautifully.

 

Please note that our young plants in mini-pots are professional-grade products intended for experienced gardeners. Upon receiving them, it is advisable to repot and keep them under cover (such as in a conservatory, greenhouse, or cold frame) at a temperature above 14 °C for a few weeks. Only after this acclimatisation period, when the risk of frost has completely passed, should they be planted outdoors.

 

Flowering

Flower colour white
Flowering time July to September
Inflorescence Spike
Flower size 30 cm
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Semi-evergreen
Foliage colour medium green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 1.10 m
Spread at maturity 50 cm
Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Pennisetum

Species

macrourum

Cultivar

White Lancer

Family

Poaceae

Other common names

African feather Grass

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Planting and care

To successfully grow Pennisetum macrourum, it's important to plant it in full sun either during spring or early autumn, but not too deep into the soil. This plant requires minimal maintenance and should be planted in light, sandy, and well-drained soil, preferably with limestone. Once it's well-rooted, it can tolerate droughts. However, heavy and wet soils in winter can damage its hardiness. Therefore, protecting the roots with ground mulching during harsh winters is essential. In March, it's recommended to cut back the dry leaves. To propagate the plant, divide the clumps in spring.

Planting period

Best planting time March to May
Recommended planting time March to June, September to October

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Free-standing, Container, Greenhouse
Hardiness Hardy down to -9°C (USDA zone 8b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 5 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, Bien drainé

Care

Pruning instructions In March, prune off the dry leaves. Remove the faded flowers at the end of winter.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time March to April
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Needs protection

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