Pennisetum Foermerianum Leeke

General Description

Pennisetum foermerianum Leeke, commonly known as Fijian pampas grass or Foermer's fountain grass, is a tall and graceful perennial grass belonging to the family Poaceae. This ornamental grass can grow up to a height of 2-3 meters and has a spread of around 1-1.5 meters.

Origin

Native to Fiji, Pennisetum foermerianum Leeke is widely cultivated as a decorative plant around the world. Its hardiness zones are 9-11, and it thrives in warm, tropical and subtropical regions.

Common Names

Besides Fijian pampas grass, Pennisetum foermerianum Leeke is also commonly known as Foermer's fountain grass or Feathertop grass.

Uses

The plant is widely used as an ornamental plant in gardens, landscapes, and along roadways for its striking appearance and graceful arching foliage, which has a beautiful feather-like texture. It is also used as an accent plant in cut-flower arrangements.

In Fiji, the leaves of Pennisetum foermerianum Leeke are used for weaving mats, baskets, and hats. The plant is also used for thatching roofs and making brooms.

General Appearance

The leaves of Pennisetum foermerianum Leeke are long and arching, giving the plant a graceful appearance. The leaves are greenish-grey in color and have a feathery texture that sways in the breeze. The plant produces long and narrow seed heads that stand upright above the foliage. The seed heads change color as they mature, starting from a pale greenish-yellow and turning to a reddish-brown.

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Light Requirements

Pennisetum foermerianum Leeke prefers to grow in full sun but can tolerate some shade as well. In areas where the summer temperatures are high, a bit of shade can help to protect the plant from scorching.

Temperature Requirements

This plant grows best in warm to hot temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Pennisetum foermerianum Leeke is between 20-30°C. It can tolerate occasional temperature dips to around 10°C, but it is not frost-tolerant and will die if exposed to freezing temperatures, so it is best to protect it from frost.

Soil Requirements

Pennisetum foermerianum Leeke prefers a well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. The ideal soil pH range for this plant is between 6.0-7.5. The plant can grow in a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soil. However, it requires regular watering, so the soil should be able to hold moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Cultivation Methods

Pennisetum foermerianum Leeke, commonly known as Foxtail Fountain Grass, is a tropical plant. It is best suited to warmer climates and is generally grown as an ornamental grass to provide landscaping interest. The grass requires well-drained soil with a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5. The optimal temperature for growing this grass is between 20°C to 35°C. The plant must be grown in areas that receive full sunlight.

Watering Needs

The grass requires adequate watering, especially during hot and dry weather conditions. It is essential to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. If the soil is waterlogged, the plant may suffer from root rot. The ideal time to water Foxtail Fountain Grass is early in the morning or late in the evening. These times help to reduce evaporation rates.

Fertilization

Foxtail Fountain Grass requires regular fertilization to ensure it grows well. You should apply a balanced fertilizer to the soil during the plant's active growing periods. For the best results, fertilize the grass once every month, beginning from the plant's onset of active growth until late summer or early fall. This practice helps to encourage healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

Pruning

Foxtail Fountain Grass is relatively easy to maintain, and pruning is not mandatory. However, it is necessary to remove any dead or damaged foliage. You should also cut back the grass to about 4 to 6 inches above ground level in late winter or early spring. Rejuvenation pruning involves cutting the grass back to about an inch or two above ground level. This method is necessary every three to four years to promote healthy new growth.

Propagation of Pennisetum foermerianum Leeke

Pennisetum foermerianum Leeke, also known as tender fountain grass, is best propagated through division and seeds. Here are the details:

Propagation through Division

The best time to propagate Pennisetum foermerianum Leeke through division is in the spring when it begins to show new growth. You can divide the clumps every two to three years to ensure healthy growth. Here are the steps to follow when dividing the plant:

• Carefully dig up the clump with a garden fork or spade
• Use a sharp knife or shears to divide the clump into smaller sections, making sure each section has roots
• Plant each section in a prepared bed or pot and water it well

Propagation through Seeds

While division is the easiest and most reliable way to propagate tender fountain grass, you can also propagate it using seeds. Here are the steps to follow:

• Collect the seed heads when they are mature and dry
• Spread the seeds out on a paper towel and allow them to dry for a few days
• Choose a well-drained soil mix and fill a seed tray or pot
• Sow the seeds evenly and lightly cover them with soil
• Mist the soil regularly to keep it moist until the seeds germinate
• Transplant the young plants into individual pots when they reach a few inches tall
• After a few weeks, you can plant the seedlings into your garden or a larger pot

Both methods of propagation can be successful with proper care and attention. You can expect Pennisetum foermerianum Leeke to grow quickly and provide a stunning display of cascading, arching foliage and striking plumes of flowers in the summer.

Disease Management

Pennisetum foermerianum Leeke, also known as dwarf fountain grass, is commonly susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot, rust, and smut. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small brown spots on the leaves. Rust, on the other hand, manifests as orange or yellow powdery spores on the leaves. Smut is yet another fungal disease that produces black spores on the leaves and stems. To manage fungal diseases, remove infected plant parts and destroy them. Ensure proper spacing between plants to improve air circulation and reduce humidity, which promotes the growth of fungal diseases. Use fungicides and biofungicides to control the spread of fungal diseases.

Pest Management

Pennisetum foermerianum Leeke can also be attacked by various pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids. Mealybugs suck sap from the plant's leaves and stems, causing yellowing and stunted growth. Spider mites, on the other hand, produce webs on the plant, causing leaves to appear bronzed or spotted. Aphids, which are tiny pear-shaped insects, remove sap from the plant's stems, causing curled and distorted leaves. To manage pests, use insecticides and miticides. Avoid overfertilization as it promotes pest attacks. Encourage natural predators of pests, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, to control their populations.