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
Summer Mini Course
Learn how to grow, harvest & arrange beautiful cut flowers
In our upcoming three-part video series, you’ll learn a simple step to double the number of blooms your plants produce, how to cut and care for your flowers for the longest vase life, and how to make mixed bouquets quickly and efficiently.
