Bring softness, light, and movement to your garden with Pennisetum villosum, also known as Feathertop Grass. This elegant ornamental grass is celebrated for its delicate, creamy-white plumes that shimmer in the sunlight and sway gracefully with every breeze. Compact and easy to grow, it’s the perfect choice for adding natural charm to borders, containers, and mixed plantings.
Pot size: 2 liters
Plant type: Perennial ornamental grass (often grown as annual in colder climates)
Mature height: 80–100 cm
Spread: 30–50 cm
Pennisetum villosum thrives in full sun, where it develops its finest flower plumes and compact growth habit. It tolerates light shade but may produce fewer blooms.
This grass prefers light, well-drained soil and is particularly suited to:
Sandy or loamy soil
Moderately dry to moist conditions
Neutral to slightly alkaline pH
Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils. Once established, Feathertop Grass is drought-tolerant and low maintenance.
Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Afterward, it requires only occasional watering.
Pruning: Cut back old foliage in early spring before new growth appears.
Fertilizing: A light feed in spring promotes lush foliage and strong flower stems.
Winter: In colder regions, protect with mulch or overwinter in pots indoors.
From mid-summer to early autumn, soft, silky plumes emerge above the fine green foliage, creating a cloud-like effect. As the season progresses, the plumes turn golden and fluffy, adding warm texture to the garden even as temperatures drop.
Perfect for sunny borders, gravel gardens, and Mediterranean-style plantings.
Stunning in terracotta pots or grouped with perennials like lavender, echinacea, or salvia.
Excellent for cut or dried flower arrangements — the seed heads remain beautiful for weeks.
✨ Pennisetum villosum combines elegance and resilience — a timeless ornamental grass that brings softness, movement, and year-round appeal to any garden or terrace.
