CREAM LEA® Cenchrus purpurascens
Cenchrus purpurascens Trade Name Cream Lea®
Formerly known as Cream Lea® Pennisetum alopecuroides. Note: This name change may help stop confusion between Pennisetum setaceus (C. setaceus), the exotic weedy fountain grass, and the local native Cenchrus purpurascens.
Information on Australian National Botanical Gardens.
- Australian Native with beautiful cream flower heads
- Excellent for mass planting
- Great for attracting native birds
Description: Cream Lea® Cenchrus purpurascens boasts feathery cream to white flowers that are showy and contrast with its tall lime green foliage.
It has a clumping growth habit with beautifully arching leaves. NOTE: Do not get this native Australian Cenchrus purpurascens confused with the invasive African variety (P. setaceum).
The native Australian varieties have a much wider plume than the exotic variety, and are non-invasive making them a safer choice.
Size: 600mm – 1000mm high x 600mm – 1000mm wide, Flowers up to 1500mm.
Planting Density: 2-5 plants per m², 1-2 plants per linear metre.
Uses: Mass or accent plantings for borders, rockeries and low maintenance gardens.
Position: Full sun to part shade. Cream Lea® Pennisetum suits sandy to light clay soils. Frost tolerant. Top up watering recommended in times of drought.
Care: Water as required for 8-13 weeks until established. Plant in a well mulched garden (chunky mulch is recommended).
Use slow release fertiliser in late winter. Trim back annually to 1/3 the size in late autumn to winter.
Where it works: NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, SA, WA & TAS.
Other Suggested Varieties:
Take a look at the whole Native Grasses range to decide which plant is best for you
PENNSTRIPE™
Cenchrus purpurascens ‘PAV300’
PURPLE LEA®
Cenchrus purpurascens ‘PA400’
YALBA™
Imperata cylindrica ‘ICL200’
NEW OZBREED ZEN GRASS™
Zoysia Native Hybrid ‘ZOY01’