Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' - Dwarf Fountain Grass

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ – Dwarf Fountain Grass

£8.50

SKU: PENN7732 Categories: , , , , Tags: , , , ,

Frequently Bought Together

Compost - 50L
Total: £10.50

Description

Quick Facts

  • Common Name: Dwarf Fountain Grass
  • Botanical Name: Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’
  • Plant Type: Deciduous ornamental grass
  • Mature Height: 60-80 centimetres
  • Mature Spread: 60-80 centimetres
  • Growth Rate: Moderate to fast
  • Flowering Period: August-October
  • Flower Colour: Creamy-white to pale pink bottlebrush plumes
  • Foliage: Narrow, arching, bright green turning golden in autumn
  • Hardiness: Hardy (RHS H5)
  • Soil Requirements: Well-drained, fertile soil
  • Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
  • Maintenance: Low maintenance

Description

Prepare to fall in love with one of the most enchanting grasses in the garden world! Pennisetum ‘Hameln’ is pure poetry in motion – a fountain of grace that brings movement, texture, and seasonal drama to every planting scheme. This compact beauty captures the very essence of what makes ornamental grasses so irresistible, packaging it all into a perfectly manageable size.
Throughout spring and summer, elegant arching foliage creates beautiful fountains of fresh green that dance and whisper with every breeze. But it’s when late summer arrives that the real magic begins – dozens of the most exquisite bottlebrush plumes emerge like nature’s own fireworks, starting creamy-white and gradually blushing to the softest pink as they mature.
These gorgeous plumes catch the light like spun silk, creating a shimmering display that’s particularly breathtaking when backlit by low autumn sun. As the season progresses, the entire plant transforms into a fountain of gold and amber, the foliage turning the most beautiful warm tones that seem to glow from within.
What makes ‘Hameln’ so special is its perfect proportions and reliable nature. This is a grass that knows exactly how to behave – it forms neat, non-invasive clumps that stay exactly where you plant them, providing months of beauty without ever becoming a nuisance. It’s the ideal introduction to ornamental grasses for anyone who’s been hesitant about adding these magical plants to their garden.

Caragh Garden Notebook

Planting: Plant in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun for the best flowering display, though partial shade is perfectly acceptable. Excellent for mixed borders, prairie-style plantings, or as specimen plants. Thrives in most soil types except waterlogged conditions.
Spacing: Allow 60-80 centimetres between plants for individual clumps, or plant in groups of three or five for maximum impact. The arching habit means they need space to show off their natural fountain-like form.
Aftercare: Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring before new growth begins – the dried plumes provide beautiful winter interest until then. Very drought-tolerant once established. Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigour.
Companion Planting: Stunning with late-flowering perennials like asters, rudbeckia, or sedum. Beautiful contrast with bold-leafed plants like hostas or bergenia. Pairs wonderfully with autumn-flowering bulbs like colchicum or autumn crocuses.
British Climate Notes: Perfectly hardy in our climate and benefits from our mild autumns which extend the plume display well into winter. The late-season interest is particularly valuable in our maritime climate. Excellent for coastal gardens.
Design Tips: Essential for prairie-style gardens, perfect for adding movement to static plantings, excellent for contemporary gardens, and wonderful for creating seasonal interest. The plumes make beautiful cut flowers and dried arrangements.

Additional information

Pot Size

, , ,

    • Related products