Ornamental Grass ‘Feathertop’
Pennisetum villosum
Description
This stunning grass has been a mainstay in my cutting garden for years. Large, fluffy, creamy-white plumes look like they are dancing atop the thin green stems. It combines with nearly everything and adds lightness to any arrangement. Technically a perennial, it is quite tender and does best when grown fresh every year.
Details
Plant type: tender perennial
Height: 22 to 24 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 22 to 24 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest seed heads as soon as they’ve emerged and before pollen sheds. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days. This variety tends to shatter once the pollen sheds so it is not a good candidate for drying.
Details
Description
This stunning grass has been a mainstay in my cutting garden for years. Large, fluffy, creamy-white plumes look like they are dancing atop the thin green stems. It combines with nearly everything and adds lightness to any arrangement. Technically a perennial, it is quite tender and does best when grown fresh every year.
Details
Plant type: tender perennial
Height: 22 to 24 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 22 to 24 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 100 to 120 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest seed heads as soon as they’ve emerged and before pollen sheds. Expect a vase life of 7 to 10 days. This variety tends to shatter once the pollen sheds so it is not a good candidate for drying.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
How to Grow
Winter Mini Course: Seed-Starting 101
Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series
In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.
