More compact and shorter than the species, 'Hameln' has finely textured leaves that are especially lovely when backlit by the early morning or late afternoon sun. Soft, greenish-cream colored panicles begin to appear in midsummer, a few weeks earlier than the species. Silvery to pinkish-white, wheat-like flower spikes arch outward from the clump in late summer.

Easily grown in average, medium to wet soil in full sun to part shade; Pennisetum 'Hameln' prefers rich loamy soil with good drainage and full sun. However, it will grow in rocky or sandy soil as long as it receives periodic moisture. This grass resents having "wet feet". Although Pennisetum often reseeds, this cultivar will not come true from seed, best propagated by division in spring.

This grass works most effectively in mass plantings, but also can be used as an accent plant in gardens and in containers. Cut foliage to the ground in late winter before new shoots appear.

Attributes: Border plants, Container, Cut flower or foliage, Mass planting, Deer resistant.