Pennisetum macrourum

Native to southern and eastern Africa as far north as the Arabian Peninsula, this is a lovely tall, clump forming grass with upright and arching leaves to 1.2m. The slender leaf blades are a mid-green with margins that are occasionally purple tinted. In high summer the softly bristled flower spikes begin to appear taking Pennnisetum macrorum to a height of 1.5m or even 2m and a spread of 0.5m.  

Sometimes described as cat-tailed, the slender cylinders of the flower spikes emerge green and then morph through cream with purplish tones to a soft brown in the autumn and winter. The plant is herbaceous, dying back during the cold months, so by spring the old foliage will need to be removed and tidied before the rapid regrowth begins. 

Plant this grass in any well-drained soil in full sun, though it will tolerate light shade. It is hardy in mild coastal or city gardens. Grown in colder areas the African feather grass will need siting carefully within the garden to avoid damage caused by excessive winter wet and mulching against the cold. Alternatively, growing it in containers allows for the plant to be moved under protection during the dormant months. 

The name derives from a mixture of both Latin, (penna means feather and seta meaning bristle) and Greek, (macros means long and oura meaning tail).