2021-2022 Hoffman Nursery Catalog of Grasses

PENNISETUM
PENNISETUM
With flowing, fountain shapes, and lovely bottlebrush plumes, Pennisetum feature a timeless style.
Fountain grasses look spectacular in masses, as specimens, and in containers. They thrive in hot,
humid summers and require little maintenance. Some reseed, so keep an eye out for seedlings.
Plant at least a month before first frost to get them established; well-drained soils in winter give
best survivability. Results of phylogenetic analysis have changed the familiar Pennisetum to the
genus Cenchrus. P. alopecuroides is now Cenchrus purpurascens, and P. orientale is Cenchrus
orientalis. For expediency, we’ll continue listing it under its more recognizable name. See our
comparison chart on page 70 to find the best Fountain Grass for your needs.
Pennisetum alopecuroides
FOUNTAIN GRASS
A graceful favorite with lovely, blush-colored
bottlebrush plumes that appear midsummer and
provide months of beauty. Blooms turn a magnificent
almond color in autumn. Size, clumping
habit, and texture beautify borders and massed
plantings. Tolerant of poor soil, heat, and sun.
Needs little care once established.
Warm season, green, 3’, 4’ with blooms, sun, dryaverage,
flowers midsummer, Zones 5-9, Origin:
Eastern Asia to Western Australia
Pennisetum alopecuroides
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Burgundy
Bunny’ PP21917
DWARF FOUNTAIN GRASS
Sports red highlights in summer and intense
burgundy fall color. Petite, midsummer bottlebrush
plumes rise a bit above the foliage. Grows
in a compact 1’ mound. Beautiful in containers,
borders, and foregrounds. Excellent for
small spaces. Lorne Blackman of Walla Walla,
Washington, discovered this natural mutation
of ‘Little Bunny’. Unauthorized propagation
prohibited.
Warm season, green (red highlights), 1’, 1.5’ with
blooms, sun-part shade, dry-average, flowers
midsummer, Zones 6-10, Origin: Eastern Asia to
Western Australia
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Burgundy Bunny’ PP21917
68 We grow good grass! ®