PENNISETUM ALOPECUROIDES HAMELN / DWARF FOUNTAIN GRASS

PENNISETUM ALOPECUROIDES HAMELN / DWARF FOUNTAIN GRASS

Compact, Graceful Grass with Soft, Arching Plumes

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln', also known as Dwarf Fountain Grass, is a smaller variety of the popular Fountain Grass, offering the same soft, arching growth but in a more compact form. With its delicate, plume-like flower heads and tidy appearance, it is ideal for smaller spaces, borders, or containers. The fine-textured, green foliage transitions to golden hues in the fall, enhancing the garden’s seasonal appeal.

Why Choose Dwarf Fountain Grass?

• Compact Size: Its smaller size makes it perfect for smaller gardens, containers, or as a groundcover in borders.
• Graceful Growth: The plant maintains the elegant, fountain-like shape of larger varieties but in a more compact form.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, it is easy to care for, needing little attention to thrive.
• Seasonal Color: The foliage changes from green to a golden or reddish hue in fall, adding seasonal interest.

Key Features:

• Delicate Plumes: Soft, tan or pinkish plumes appear above the foliage in late summer to early fall, creating a light, airy look.
• Compact Fountain Shape: The arching leaves and plumes form a tidy, rounded shape, making it a great option for smaller spaces.
• Fall Foliage Color: In fall, the foliage turns to a warm golden color, and the seed heads persist into winter, providing visual interest.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Dwarf Fountain Grass is drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and requires little care.

Specifications:

• Plant Size: 18–24 inches tall, 18–24 inches wide.
• Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–9.
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Soil Requirements: Thrives in well-drained soil and is adaptable to a range of soil types, from sandy to clay.

Ideal Uses:

• Small Gardens & Containers: Perfect for compact spaces or as a filler plant in container gardens, where its soft form can be appreciated.
• Border Planting: A great choice for edging or borders, providing texture and movement in garden beds without overpowering other plants.
• Rock Gardens & Ground Covers: Its size and growth habit make it ideal for low-maintenance groundcovers in rock gardens or along pathways.
• Accent Planting: Can be used as an accent plant in flower beds or near water features for a gentle, ornamental effect.

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' (Dwarf Fountain Grass) offers the same beauty and elegance of the larger Fountain Grass variety but in a more compact form, making it a fantastic choice for smaller spaces or containers. Its graceful plumes, low-maintenance nature, and seasonal color changes make it an excellent addition to any garden design.