Pennisetum spathiolatum (Slender veldt grass)

Botanical name

Pennisetum spathiolatum

Other names

Slender veldt grass, Rye puffs, Cenchrus sphacelatus

Genus

Pennisetum Pennisetum

Species

P. spathiolatum - P. spathiolatum is a clump-forming, evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial with a compact mound of linear, dark green leaves and tall, slender, upright to slightly arching stems bearing pale brown flower spikelets from late spring to late summer.

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Clump-forming

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Colour

Flower

Pale-brown in Spring; Pale-brown in Summer

General care

Pruning

Cut back in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.

Propagation

Sow seed in a warm glasshouse in spring.

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Pennisetum spathiolatum (Slender veldt grass) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Prairie planting, Planted in groups, Mediterranean, Low Maintenance, Gravel, Drought Tolerant, Cottage/Informal, Containers, Coastal, City, Beds and borders, Rock

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun or light shade. Tolerates drought but performs best with occasional watering in dry periods. Root hardy to -17C. Protect with a dry mulch in winter in cold areas.

Soil type

Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, East

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Pennisetum spathiolatum (Slender veldt grass)

Common pest name

Rice leaf nematode; Strawberry crimp disease nematode; White tip nematode; White tip nematode of rice

Scientific pest name

Aphelenchoides besseyi

Type

Nematode

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Damaging nematode affecting rice crops and strawberry production in warmer climates; could potentially present a threat to strawberry production and ornamental production in protected environments. But modern production practices seem to reduce likelihood of impacts. Pest is also regulated at EU level; which reduces likelihood of entry.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/