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Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose' PP12909

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Photo Courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc.
 Common Name: Grass-Ornamental
Common Name (Alternative): Oriental Fountain Grass

Uniform, upright clumps of gracefully arching, deep green foliage erupt into soft rose-purple plumes from early summer until frost. Enjoy its subtle straw color in the winter.

This grass will be a focal point wherever it's planted, but is especially beautiful when the plumes are backlit by the early morning or late afternoon sun. Its compact habit makes it indispensable for small gardens and containers. It is also quick to establish in the landscape and is quite drought tolerant.

Breeder: David Skwiot

Origin: Not Native to North America

Characteristics:



Height:
  36-40 Inches
Spread:
  24-36 Inches
Flower Color:
  Purple-red shades
Foliage Color:
  Green shades
Hardiness Zone:
5,6,7,8,9
Find Your Zone
Sun or Shade?:
  Full sun (> 6 hrs. direct sun)
Wet or dry?:
  Low water needs
  Average water needs
Need critter resistant plants?:
  Deer resistant
How fast should it grow?:
  Rapid
When should it bloom?:
  Early summer
How's your soil?:
  Average Soil
  Fertile Soil
Sweet or Sour Soil?:
  Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0)
  Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)
What's your garden style?:
  Container/Patio
  Eclectic

Attributes:

Border plants
Container
Cut flower or foliage
Drought Tolerant
Mass Planting
Specimen or focal point
Easy to grow

Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips:

Pennisetum prefers to be grown in rich loamy soil with good drainage and full sun or light shade. However, it will grow in rocky or sandy soil as long as it receives periodic watering. This grass resents having "wet feet".


Companions:

Common/Botanical Name
Zones  
Amsonia hubrichtii
Common Name: Blue Star-Arkansas
4,5,6,7,8,9
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Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm'
Common Name: Black-Eyed Susan
4,5,6,7,8,9,10
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Sedum 'Purple Emperor'
Common Name: Stonecrop-Autumn
3,4,5,6,7,8,9
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Buddleia davidii 'Royal Red'
Common Name: Butterfly Bush
5,6,7,8,9,10
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Echinacea purpurea 'Ruby Star' ('Rubinstern')
Common Name: Coneflower-Purple
3,4,5,6,7,8
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Chrysanthemum 'Harmony'
Common Name: Mum-Hardy Garden
5,6,7,8,9
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Geranium 'Johnson's Blue'
Common Name: Geranium-Hardy
4,5,6,7,8
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While every effort has been made to describe this plant accurately, please keep in mind that the height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates throughout the country. The description of this plant was written based on our experience growing it in Michigan (USDA hardiness zone 5) and on numerous outside resources.