Low-Risk Pennisetums: Native Non-Weedy Pennisetum Grasses

Are you on the lookout for ornamental grasses that add charm without the worry of them turning into invasive weeds? With the vast array of choices available, selecting the right type of grass for your garden or landscape project can be daunting.

This article explores low-risk pennisetums, specifically focusing on native non-weedy varieties that offer beauty without the burden.

Why Choose Non-Weedy Pennisetum Grasses?

The Environmental Impact of Pennisetums

Ornamental grasses, while often attractive, can become invasive outside their natural habitats. Whether they’re native or not, these plants can outcompete local flora, potentially leading to reduced biodiversity and the displacement of locally endemic plant and animal species.

Both our native Australian Pennisetum alopecuroides and African Pennisetum spp. have virile seeds that can travel long distances and become a problem in the urban landscape, as well as in the natural ecosystem.

Remember: just because a plant is “native” in Australia, that doesn’t mean that it’s supposed to grow in your backyard. Our native pennisetum is considered endemic to parts of NSW and QLD, but it’s a massive weed in parts of Vic.

Advantages of Tissue Culture Pennisetum Grasses

Pennisetum grasses grown by seed have been selected for good germination rates – which is great in the nursery where they want to grow lots of plants quickly, but not so great in our gardens, where we want to reduce weediness.

Some cultivated varieties are grown by carefully breeding a specimen over many generations of careful sexual reproduction, intensively breeding the best plants with good characteristics. Over time, as seed virility becomes less important than other traits, these plants naturally become less sterile.

That doesn’t mean they don’t produce seed; it simply means that it’s harder for them to reproduce via their seeds. Instead of propagating by seed, these plants are cultivated using tissue culture, a modern propagation method that clones small parts of the plant’s stem cells – not to be confused with genetic modification.

Low-Risk Native Pennisetum Varieties

Now let’s go over some of the best low-risk pennisetums that won’t go weedy in your garden or the environment.

Nafray® Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘PA300’

Nafray® Pennisetum is a compact, drought-tolerant grass known for its soft, feathery plumes and lush green foliage. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and is remarkably adaptable to a range of soil types. This plant has survived well in both extreme flooding and drought events.

It’s perfect for adding texture and movement to borders, rockeries, and as a feature plant in pots. Its non-invasive nature makes it an excellent choice for environmentally-conscious home garden and public landscape design alike.

Purple Lea™ Pennisetum advena ‘PA400’ (PBR)

Purple Lea™ Pennisetum is distinguished by its vibrant purple flowers that bloom from summer through to autumn, adding a splash of colour to any garden. This hardy variety performs well in both dry and humid climates and is suitable for a wide range of soil types.

Its striking appearance is ideal for use in mass plantings, as a border, or as an accent plant in mixed beds, offering both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits.

Pennstripe™ Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘PAV300’ (PBR)

Pennstripe™ Pennisetum stands out with its unique variegated foliage and feathery, cream-coloured plumes that sway gracefully in the breeze. This variety is particularly tolerant of cold and moist conditions, making it versatile for various landscape applications.

It is an excellent choice for creating visual interest in gardens, as ground cover, or for stabilising slopes, providing both beauty and functionality without the risk of becoming weedy.

Cream Lea Pennisetum alopecuroides

Cream Lea® Pennisetum is an Australian native grass that features feathery cream to white flower heads that provide a stunning contrast against its tall, lime green foliage. This variety exhibits a clumping growth habit with beautifully arching leaves, making it an ideal choice for gardeners looking to add texture and movement to their landscape.

How to Incorporate Native Pennisetum in Your Garden or Landscape

Native pennisetum grasses, with their elegant plumes and graceful foliage, can transform your garden or landscape into a vibrant and ecologically sustainable space. Here’s how to seamlessly integrate these native beauties into your outdoor areas.

Planning and Design

Considerations for Plant Size, Colour, and Texture

When incorporating native pennisetum, consider the mature size of the plant to ensure it fits well within your space without overcrowding. The variety of colours, from deep purples of Purple Lea® Pennisetum to the striking variegated leaves of Pennstripe™ Pennisetum, offers ample opportunity to create visually engaging landscapes.

Texture also plays a crucial role, with the soft, feathery plumes adding a delicate touch to the garden’s aesthetic.

Tips for Creating Visually Appealing Arrangements

Achieve balance and harmony by grouping plants in odd numbers, which is more pleasing to the eye. Consider the visual impact throughout the seasons; select varieties that offer year-round interest, whether through evergreen foliage, seasonal blooms, or striking seed heads. Companion plant with different shapes, including shrubs and ground covers, to allow your pennisetums to stand out.

Advice on Companion Planting

Companion planting can enhance the beauty and ecological function of your garden. Pair native pennisetum with other drought-tolerant plants like Australian natives or succulents for a water-wise garden. Flowering perennials and shrubs can also complement the grasses’ texture and form, creating a diverse and attractive landscape.

Planting and Care

Best Practices for Soil Preparation and Planting

Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient content, especially important in heavy clay or light sandy soils. Plant in a position that suits the light requirements of the chosen species—generally, pennisetums thrive in full sun to part shade.

Watering, Feeding, and Pruning Requirements

Native Pennisetum varieties are generally low-maintenance. Water regularly until established and then as needed during dry periods. Apply a slow-release, native-friendly fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. Annual pruning in late winter or early spring encourages fresh, vibrant foliage.

Managing Pests and Diseases in an Eco-friendly Manner

Fortunately, pennisetum grasses are relatively pest and disease resistant – especially the varieties mentioned in this article. Should issues arise, opt for eco-friendly solutions like horticultural oil or physically removing pests with your hands, which are less harmful to beneficial insects and the wider environment.

Non-Weedy Native Pennisetum Grasses in Sustainable Landscaping

Enhancing Biodiversity

Native Pennisetum varieties provide essential habitat and food sources for local wildlife, including native beetles, birds, and other fauna that feed on their pollen and seeds (whether or not they’re highly fertile seeds), as well as native butterflies and moths that lay their eggs in grasses.

Their roots hold the soil together to provide structure for other plants with more sensitive roots, and they also provide a valuable source of carbon for beneficials below the ground.

While it’s true that grasses are wind-pollinated and don’t produce nectar, they do in fact produce pollen and so are visited by pollinators like native beetles and friendly ants.

Water Conservation and Soil Health

The drought tolerance of these pennisetums makes them an excellent choice for drought-wise landscaping, reducing the need for supplemental watering. Their root systems help improve soil structure, promoting better water infiltration and reducing erosion.

Nafray Pennisetum improves soil structure by up to 475%, according to research conducted by Todd Layt and Ian Paananen. If you’re looking for an erosion-controlling, non-invasive Pennisetum, that’s your best bet.

Daniel’s Wrap

Selecting native, non-weedy Pennisetum grasses is a wise decision for the environmentally conscious gardener or landscaper. These plants not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of your space but also make a positive contribution to the local ecosystem.

By incorporating these native grasses into your projects, you can achieve beautiful, resilient, and ecologically responsible gardens and landscapes that benefit both you and the environment.