NAFRAY® Pennisetum

Nafray® Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘PA300’

• Tougher, more compact variety of native Pennisetum
• Australian Native Swamp Foxtail, not the highly invasive P. setaceum Fountain Grass
• Proven performer for over 10 years

Description: Nafray® Pennisetum is a native grass that has a finer texture, is more drought tolerant, more compact and has better winter colour than the common form. It’s showy, feathery flower plumes appear from summer to autumn.

NOTE: Do not get this native Australian Pennisetum alopecuroides confused with the invasive African variety (P. setaceum). The native Australian varieties have a much wider plume than the exotic variety, and are a better choice.

In ideal conditions, this variety can regenerate from seed (e.g. Northern NSW/QLD or occasionally in other regions , in wet areas and excessively irrigated gardens).

It is not an invasive weed as it is a native, however if you experience these conditions and prefer to avoid the chance of regeneration, remove spent flower heads as required and dispose of correctly. In drier times, the seed is less likely to germinate. 

Like many native and non-native ornamental grasses, the seed heads have awns, that can allow the seed to stick to clothing or pets at certain times of the year. If this is a worry we suggest cutting the seed head off as it starts to drop. 

Size: 60cm high x 60cm wide.

Planting Density: 4-10 plants per m², 2-3 plants per linear metre.

Uses: Mass plantings for borders, rockeries and roadsides.

Position: Full sun to part shade. Nafray® Pennisetum suits sandy to heavy clay soils. Tolerates frost, drought and humidity.

Care: Water as required for 8-13 weeks until established. Plant in a well mulched garden (chunky mulch is recommended).

Use slow release fertiliser in late winter. Trim back annually to 1/3 the size in late autumn to winter.

Where it works: NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, SA, WA & TAS.