Pennisetum alopecuroides var.viridescens

Pennisetum alopecuroides var. viridescens is a refined and elegant ornamental grass, valued for its tall stature, graceful habit, and naturally dark, smoky flower heads. Often considered more subtle and botanical than named cultivars, this variety offers a strong architectural presence and exceptional late-season interest. In a garden centre setting, it appeals to customers looking for structure, movement, and a naturalistic planting style.

Form, Flowering & Seasonal Interest

Pennisetum alopecuroides var. viridescens forms a tall, arching clump of fresh green foliage that creates an elegant fountain shape. From late summer into autumn, long stems rise above the leaves, topped with dense, cylindrical flower heads. These plumes emerge greenish-brown before deepening to dark brown or near-black tones, giving the plant its distinctive look.

Key visual selling points:

• Tall, elegant fountain-shaped habit

• Naturally dark, smoky bottlebrush flower heads

• Flowering from late summer into autumn

• Foliage turning warm gold in autumn

• Strong winter structure if left uncut

The contrast between the upright flower stems and arching foliage adds movement and drama, especially when planted in groups.

Growing Conditions & Easy Care

This variety of Pennisetum is robust, hardy, and well suited to Irish garden conditions. It thrives in a sunny position and performs best in free-draining soil, but once established it is tolerant of drought and a range of soil types. Its low-maintenance nature makes it an easy recommendation for customers.

Care and growing advice:

• Plant in full sun for best flowering

• Prefers well-drained soil

• Suitable for borders and large containers

• Drought tolerant once established

• Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring

Leaving the plant standing over winter not only protects the crown but also extends seasonal interest with frost-covered foliage and plumes.

Garden Uses & Retail Value

From a retail perspective, Pennisetum alopecuroides var. viridescens fits perfectly into modern, prairie-style, and naturalistic planting schemes. Its height and dark flowers make it especially useful for adding depth and contrast to planting designs.

Popular uses and selling ideas:

• Back or middle of mixed borders

• Prairie-style and meadow planting

• Pairing with echinacea, rudbeckia, and ornamental grasses

• Gravel gardens and large containers

• Autumn and winter interest displays

In garden centres, this Pennisetum is best displayed alongside late-flowering perennials to help customers visualise seasonal combinations. Its strong structure, elegant form, and long-lasting interest make Pennisetum alopecuroides var. viridescens a valuable and dependable addition to any ornamental grass range.

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.