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| Category: Grass |
| Family: Poaceae (Gramineae) (Grasses) |
| Origin: Africa, East (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Red |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Summer |
| Synonyms: [P. messiacum, Hort., Cenchrus massaicus] |
| Height: 1-2 feet |
| Width: 1-2 feet |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 0-10° F |
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Pennisetum massaicum (Red Bunny Tails Fountain Grass) - A well-behaved and very attractive evergreen (in mild climates) fountain grass that reaches to 18 to 24 inches tall by as wide with narrow mid green leaves that arch over gracefully and in late spring and summer arise the 3 foot tall flower stalks with tight, but fat, spikes of flowers, that are at first red and age to a nice tan, held well above the foliage. Plant in full sun to light shade and give occasional to regular irrigation. Evergreen in mild climates and cold hardy but deciduous down to around 5 ° F (USDA 7) and tolerant of near coastal conditions. A very nice grass plant with flowers that dance about the foliage similar to the plant sold as Pennisetum spathiolatum, but with slightly shorter stems bearing heavier and redder flower clusters that, as John Greenlee says, are "just begging to be touched". This grass comes south Africa north through eastern tropical African north to Somalia where it grows in open savannas. It was first described from plants collected in Kenya by the Austrian born botanist Otto Spath, who later became director of the herbarium at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and was awarded the Linnean Medal in 1927. This plant is often erroneously listed (by some good sources) as Pennisetum messiacum but this spelling is incorrect. A name that may become valid is Cenchrus massaicus as some researchers have suggested that ALL Pennisetum should be combined and renamed as species of Cenchrus – we will try to avoid doing this until I see that it is universally agreed upon.
This description is based on research and observations of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in our nursery garden and in other gardens that we visit. We also incorporate comments received and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Pennisetum massaicum.
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