Cenchrus longisetus aka Feathertop

Cenchrus longisetus is a grass in the Poaceae family. It is perennial, so it lives for more than one year. It grows wild in northeast tropical Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. These lands have a tropical climate with a dry season. Garden sources call it Pennisetum villosum, or feathertop. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Gardeners also grow it as an annual, for one year.

The plant grows in tufts that form a low mound. Garden plants reach about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] tall. Their spread falls within the same range. They reach full size in one to two years. The leaves are narrow and linear, with a long, slim shape. The plant is deciduous, so it sheds its leaves. The flower heads rise above the leaves in panicles. These branched flower clusters look soft and have a tube shape. Their pale green and white tones turn purple with age. Chicago Botanic Garden lists bloom time as May through August. It also notes that the plant draws birds.

Choose a site with shelter and full sun. Sites that face south or west suit the plant. Use light soil with a fair level of nutrients. Water must drain through it well. RHS lists chalk, loam and sand as suitable soils. The plant accepts acid, neutral and alkaline soil. The supplied care data gives a dry-to-moist soil range. Chicago lists its water needs as moderate. Good drainage matters in winter. In colder areas, the plant may need winter protection. RHS rates it H3, for mild and coastal parts of Britain. Chicago gives USDA hardiness zones 9–10.

Feathertop suits beds, borders and loose, informal garden plans. Its small mound fits city gardens and courtyards. RHS lists it for coastal gardens and prairie-style planting. Chicago lists uses in bedding and as a screen. You can cut the flower stems for use as cut flowers. The pale heads contrast with the narrow leaves. Their purple tint changes this contrast as they age. These traits add to the value of its green leaves.

Remove dead leaves and spent flower stems in spring. Split plants that have settled in to make new plants in spring. You can also sow seeds in pots in spring. Keep these in a warm glasshouse. RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. This does not mean all plants will stay free of problems. The supplied sources give no facts on edible parts or toxicity. They do not show any food uses. Nor do they show safety for people or pets.