Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ – A Compact, Graceful Grass with Feathery Plumes
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’, commonly known as Fountain Grass, is a charming ornamental grass that brings soft texture and movement to the garden. This compact variety, reaching a height of 60-90 cm (24-36 inches), is perfect for adding elegance to smaller gardens, containers, or mixed borders. Known for its fine, arching green foliage and distinctive, feathery flower plumes, ‘Hameln’ adds a subtle yet striking visual appeal throughout the growing season. The feathery plumes begin to emerge in late summer, and as the season progresses, they change to a soft, silvery hue that continues to provide interest well into autumn and winter.
Why Grow Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’?
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Compact Size – ‘Hameln’ is a more compact variety of Fountain Grass, typically growing to a height of 60-90 cm, making it ideal for smaller gardens or as a border plant. Its manageable size allows it to fit easily into many garden designs without overwhelming the space.
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Feathery Flower Plumes – The delicate, silvery flower plumes of ‘Hameln’ are one of its standout features. They add a soft, airy texture to the garden, and as the plumes mature, they take on a rich, tan colour, providing year-round visual interest and a stunning display in late summer and autumn.
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Graceful, Arching Foliage – The fine, arching green leaves of ‘Hameln’ create a soft, flowing effect in the garden. As the plant grows, the foliage forms a graceful fountain-like shape, adding movement and lightness to the landscape.
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Low Maintenance & Hardy – ‘Hameln’ is a hardy, low-maintenance grass that thrives with minimal care. It is well-suited to a variety of soil types and is drought-tolerant once established, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.
Planting & Care Guide
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Position: Pennisetum ‘Hameln’ thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade, particularly in hotter climates. It performs best when given at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, which encourages the best growth and the most impressive plumes.
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Soil: This grass is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils, as long as they are well-drained. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil and benefits from well-drained, fertile soil that does not retain excessive moisture.
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Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Once established, ‘Hameln’ is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. However, providing consistent moisture during dry spells will ensure optimal growth and more vibrant plumes.
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Maintenance:
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Pruning: Cut back the foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This will help maintain a tidy appearance and ensure healthy new shoots in the spring. Leave about 10 cm (4 inches) of the plant above ground for protection during the colder months.
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Dividing: Every 2-3 years, divide the clumps of ‘Hameln’ to maintain their vigour and prevent overcrowding. Divide in early spring or autumn to ensure the plant continues to thrive year after year.
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Fertilising: Pennisetum ‘Hameln’ generally does not require heavy fertilisation. However, a light application of balanced fertiliser in early spring can help promote healthy growth and vibrant plumes. Avoid over-fertilising, as this can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of the flowers.
Perfect Plant Combinations
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ pairs beautifully with a wide range of plants, thanks to its graceful form and soft plumes. For a striking contrast, combine it with bold, late-season perennials such as Rudbeckia, Echinacea, or Asters. The soft, airy texture of the grass creates a lovely contrast to the more robust, colourful blooms of these plants.
In a more relaxed or naturalistic garden, pair ‘Hameln’ with other ornamental grasses, such as Miscanthus or Calamagrostis, to create a flowing, layered display. The contrasting textures of these grasses will enhance the beauty of the fountain-like form of ‘Hameln’.
For a refined look, plant it alongside plants with darker foliage, such as Heuchera or Black-leaved Elder (Sambucus nigra), which will make the soft, silvery plumes stand out even more. ‘Hameln’ also works well in mixed borders with shrubs like Lavender, Spirea, or smaller trees like Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum), where the fine texture of the grass complements the bolder forms of the other plants.
Whether used in mass plantings, as an accent plant, or in containers, Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ will bring soft texture, movement, and year-round beauty to your garden with its elegant plumes and graceful form.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
