Pennisetum red head

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Red Head’ (to our right of Lily the cat) started flowering in early September.

Pennisetum red head

Not only is it floriferous and long-lived, it’s fully hardy even when grown in a pot.

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Red Head'

Richly coloured before the large panicles fully open.

Pennisetum redhead

Fully open 7″ long panicles are designed to trap moisture be it dew, mist, rain or frost.

The secret is said to be in its three sets of bristles …

Pennisetum red head

Against a dark background, a fuzz of white down can be seen coating the intricate central stem structures too.

Pennisetum red head

Conjuring moisture from thin air is a pretty neat trick!