Pennisetum Seeds - Red Buttons
SEASON
Perennial
USDA ZONES
8 - 11
HEIGHT
36 inches
WIDTH
36 inches
FOLIAGE COLOR
Green
FLOWER COLOR
Red
GROWTH RATE
Fast
SOIL REQUIREMENT
Any well draining soil, sandy to loam
ENVIRONMENT
Full sun
DEER RESISTANT
Yes
MOISTURE REQUIREMENTS
Drought tolerant
About...
Pennisetum Red Buttons (Pennisetum thunbergii) - Start Pennisetum seeds for a mid-sized, clump forming grass that prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained or sandy soil. Drought tolerant ornamental grasses are excellent in xeriscaping and give late summer and autumn interest.
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Planting Directions
TEMPERATURE
68F
TEMPERATURE
AVERAGE GERM TIME
AVERAGE GERM TIME
14 - 21 days
LIGHT REQUIRED
Yes
DEPTH
Seeds must be covered thinly
SOWING RATE
2 - 3 seeds per plant
MOISTURE
Keep seeds moist until germination
PLANT SPACING
36 inches
Pennisetum Red Buttons (Pennisetum thunbergii) - Start Pennisetum seeds for a mid-sized, clump forming grass that prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained or sandy soil. Ornamental grasses are excellent in mixed borders and give late summer and autumn interest. Pennisetum thunbergii Red Buttons grass is sometimes referred to as Red Bunny Tails. Pennisetum Fountain Grass is both heat and drought tolerant, and in the heat of summer, rosy-red, feathery clusters are formed. The red plumes of Red Buttons Fountain Grass are extremely attractive and are good for cutting. They can be used in fresh or dried arrangements.
Fountain Grass seeds can be started indoors. Using a seed starting tray filled with a pre-moistened seed starting medium that drains well, place the ornamental grass seeds on top of the soil and gently press the seeds in. Keep the Red Buttons seeds moist until germination occurs. Some gardeners start the Red Bunny Tails seeds directly outside in the spring after danger of frost has passed. Prepare a seedbed, and press the seeds into the soil that has been worked into a fine tilth. The soil temperature needs to be 65 degrees for germination. Keep the ornamental grass seeds moist, and throughout the first growing season, water the grass with regularity. In subsequent years, Pennisetum Fountain Grass will be drought tolerant perfect for xeriscape gardening.
Common Questions
How is this plant used in the landscape?
This grass is very versatile and can be used as a focal point, in groups, large mass plantings. It is ideal for borders, in containers or in your cutting garden.
Do I need to prune my plants?
Yes, foliage should be cut to the ground in late winter.
Can I use it in dried flower arrangements?
Yes, this grass works well in fresh or dried flower arrangements.
What are good companion plants for red buttons?
Plants such as amaranthus, pennisetum villosum, dahlia and verbena all make wonderful companion plants.
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