University
of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science
University
of Vermont Extension 
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'
(pen-ni-see' tum al-o-peck-your-oy' dees)
Common name: Fountain Grass
Family: Poaceae, Grass
Height x width: 1-2' high x 2' wide
Growth rate: moderate
Foliage: 1-2' long and ¼" wide, culms (flower stalks) to 2' long, bright green in summer turning golden brown in fall
Flowers: 5-7" flower spikes resembling soft bottle brushes, silvery white fading tan
Hardiness: zones 5-9
Soil: well-drained, moist
Light: sun, tolerates light shade, doesn't flower in dense shade
Pests and Problems: none
Landscape habit, uses: masses, groups or specimen; borders, containers; tolerates wind and salt spray; cut in summer; one of more dwarf cultivars of genus and perhaps most popular, otherwise similar to 'Cassian'
Other interest: flowers shatter in fall so no winter effect as with many other grasses; native to China; name is from the Latin penna meaning feather and seta meaning bristle, refering to the feathery bristles or awns; named after famous German city of Pied Piper fame
Other culture: low maintenance
Propagation: spring division, seed for species only
Sources: many; as always, check with your local garden center or perennial nursery
Return to Perry's Perennial Pages