2022-2023 Hoffman Nursery Catalog of Grasses & Sedges

PANICUM
Panicum virgatum 'Summer Sunrise'
UPRIGHT SWITCHGRASS
This Switchgrass has charmed visitors at the
nursery for years and has shown good disease
resistance in production. It has a dense cloud
of soft pink seed heads that rise just above the
foliage. Inflorescences catch the morning light,
echoing the colors of a summer sunrise. Wide,
bluish leaves form an upright, compact habit.
Fall color is pinkish gold. Has the versatility and
adaptability we love in Switchgrass.
Warm season, green, 3’-4’, 3.5’-4.5’ with blooms,
sun, dry-moist, flowers late summer, Zones 4-10,
Origin: North and Central America
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 75 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.
PENNISETUM
Warm season, green, 3’, 4’ with blooms, sun, dry- average,
flowers midsummer, Zones 5-9, Origin: Eastern
Asia to Western Australia
Panicum virgatum ‘Summer Sunrise’
Pennisetum alopecuroides
Panicum virgatum 'Thundercloud'
PP20665
TALL SWITCHGRASS
A great screen, accent, or background. Rises to
8'; produces an impressive crown of airy, open
panicles midsummer, which persist into winter.
Blue, upright foliage resists flopping, even under
heavy wind and rain. Its parents are P. virgatum
'Northwind' and 'Cloud Nine', but it most closely
resembles 'Northwind'. Compared to other bluefoliaged
switchgrasses, it is taller and has a more
open bloom. Propagation is strictly prohibited.
Warm season, blue-green, 7’, 8’ with blooms, sun,
dry-average, flowers midsummer, Zones 4-9, Origin:
North and Central America
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
Panicum virgatum ‘Thundercloud’ PP20665
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Burgundy Bunny’ PP21917
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