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| Category: Grass |
| Family: Poaceae (Gramineae) (Grasses) |
| Origin: Africa, Central (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Wheat |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Synonyms: [P. 'Fairy Tales Cenchrus 'Fairy Tails'] |
| Height: 3-5 feet |
| Width: 2-3 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Pennisetum 'Fairy Tails' (Evergreen Fountain Grass) - An evergreen fountain grass that was discovered at John Greenlee's Pomona nursery. This plant forms 2 to 3 foot wide clumps with upright foliage to 4 feet tall (or more with regular irrigation) and dark wheat-colored blooms rising above the foliage in spring and summer. Plant in full sun. Height can be curtailed some by careful irrigation. Should prove hardy and evergreen to 20-25° F and possibly root hardy below this. Can be left alone or cut back in winter to freshen the look of the newly emerging foliage. Though we do not claim it sterile, even in large stands we have not seen any seedlings emerge of this plant. This grass was originally introduced by John Greenlee in 2001 with the name 'Fairy Tails' as a play on words with "tails" referencing the long showy inflorescences. San Marcos Growers began growing this plant in 2003. We note that some list this plant incorrectly as Pennisetum 'Fairy Tales' but since we received this plant from John Greenlee with the name 'Fairy Tails', we have continued to list it with this spelling as the originator intended. Though not yet listed as such in all nomenclatural databases, recent treatment of the genus Pennisetum has all species included in the genus Cenchrus, making the valid name of this hybrid Cenchrus 'Fairy Tails'. Until such time as these new names become recognized in the horticultural trades, we have decided to continue to list this plant, which we no longer grow as Pennisetum 'Fairy Tails'.
This information about Pennisetum 'Fairy Tails' displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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