Pennnisetum Hameln fountain grass blooming in front perennial bed
One of the best things about having friends who garden is the selection of great plants that are always being shared. I firmly believe that when you get a new plant from a friend, it always does well. My reasoning is that the plant being shared is already thriving in your area’s soil and water conditions so, consequently, your friend has enough to share.
That is how I acquired the ornamental grass ‘Pennisetum Hameln’ which is a type of fountain grass that my neighbor had growing in her perennial bed. One spring while she was rearranging her garden layout to accommodate a few new plants, she gave me a couple of small clumps.
I planted them in 2 different areas of our yard and early on I realized that this grass did not like shade or acid soil. I had initially planted one clump on the north side of our house close to a couple of yew shrubs and it promptly died. Fortunately the second clump was planted in full sun and grew quickly. That was at least five years ago and the plant still looks great!
This fountain grass comes up a bit later than a lot of my other perennials and consequently all the daffodils have time to bloom before it fills in. Then, in late summer, it blooms with fuzzy cream color tufts that are very attractive. It is also drought tolerant, has a compact growth habit and is a clumping variety of fountain grass so it stays where it is planted. All told, Pennisetum Hameln has been a trouble-free and reliable garden plant that is resistant to deer, rabbits and squirrels.
Yes, that is really a beautiful grass! I have to find a place for it next year.