Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' - Dwarf Fountain Grass

'Hameln' is the oldest cultivar of Pennisetum alopecuroides. Use it wherever the straight species would be too tall. Blooms earlier than the species, making it a better choice for gardens with a short growing season.

'Hameln' is a dwarf form of Fountain grass. We have strived to keep our strain pure as there are now varying heights sold under the name 'Hameln'.

Description: warm season*; clump forming
Foliage is green; 7mm (1/4") wide; 50-75 cm (20-30") in height
Flowers in July through September; 75-100 cm (30-40") tall

Ideal conditions: full sun to light shade; moist well drained soil; will grow in any soil except those that are poorly drained

Coldest zone: 4 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Partner with: Coreopsis, Sedum, old garden roses, Miscanthus purpurascens

Season of interest: July to winter

Drought tolerance rating: 2 (water to root depth once every 2 weeks); further info

Recommended spacing between plants: 50-75cm (20-30") why such a difference?

When to divide: when it shows signs of life in the spring, continuing until the new growth is about 12" tall; only in the spring (further info on dividing grasses)

When to plant or transplant: plant bare root plants only in late spring to early summer, when the soil is warm, about the same time you plant your bean or corn seeds. The roots will grow only in warm soil. Planting too early in the spring may cause the roots to rot. Similar story in the fall when the roots may not grow enough to establish before the cold and wet of winter, resulting in the demise of the plant.

When to cut back: before the new growth starts to appear, but after the cold weather is over. Cut back to about 3-4" from the crown of the plant.

Pronunciation: Pennisetum (pen-ih-SEE-tum) alopecuroides (al-oh-pek-yur-OY-deez)

*a warm season grass likes to grow in warm weather. Before it will show signs of life in the spring, the soil must warm up, and be warm for possibly as long as two weeks.

More ornamental grasses

Compare Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' to our other grasses in this handy chart.