Pennisetum 'Red Buttons'

Appreciably compact with an upright clump of narrow, graceful foliage. The little red feather tips rise above and create gorgeous movement in the garden. As the season goes on the tips mature to golden straw shades, they are useful in cut flower displays and can be dried. Similarly the green leaves turn bronze and stand through winter.

Pennisetum ‘Red Buttons’ is wonderfully compact and excellent as part of a border, on embankments, as a specimen or in a pot. It is a sterile variety that will form a nice clump and bloom for an age.

Pennisetum ‘Red Buttons’ is hardy and tough with a soft, femininity. Quick to grow, it will spread to just over a metre. Requires a moderately fertile, well drained soil. Water to establish, then you only need worry only if rainfall is low. The best foliage colour from a sunny position. You can prune it back late winter/early spring to allow the new growth to shine.

Tolerant of poor soils and dry conditions, Pennisetum Grasses are perfect for a sunny garden spot and won’t need much of your attention to look good. They can also stand up to humidity, winds, light frost and have no issues with pests or disease.

Common names for Pennisetum are Foxtail grass, Fountain Grass, Purple Fountain Grass and Chinese Fountain Grass. The botanical name is Latin, penna ‘feather’ and seta ‘bristle’.