Plant Gardens 101

Grass family
Gramineae
Pen-i-see’tum. A genus of 80 species of chiefly tropical grasses, some ornamental.

Description
Leaf blades flat and narrow, sometimes colored. Flowers in a spikelike panicle, the spikelets having beneath them bristles, sometimes plumed, often longer than the spikelets.

How to Grow  
In early spring work up the soil and lay down a 2-3 ft. (60-90 cm) square of clear plastic. Secure the edges with soil. Cut a 6-in. (15-cm) cross in center, and plant seeds where they can grow through the slits. Cover plastic with dried grass clippings to shade out weeds. These grasses prefer warm weather.

Pennisetum setaceum
Fountain Grass . 3-4 ft. (90-120 cm) high. Leaf blades many, green or variously colored. Spikes to 14 in. (35 cm) long, curved or nodding, the bristles ¾ in. (19 mm) long. Ethiopia. Cultivars, with the spikes and foliage pink, rose-purple, coppery, or reddish. The leading ornamental species. Also called P. Ruppelii . Perennial grown as a half-hardy annual.

Pennisetum villosum
Feathertop . To 2 ft. (60 cm) high. Leaf blades many. Spikes to 4 in. (10 cm) long, off-white, feathery, with many bristles, to 2 in. (5 cm) long. Africa. Also called P. longistylum . Perennial grown as a half-hardy annual.