Pennisetum 'Piglet'

Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Piglet': Petite Grace with Big Garden Appeal

Compact, refined, and full of charm, Pennisetum 'Piglet' offers all the elegance of a fountain grass in a smaller, more manageable package. This tidy cultivar forms a low, arching mound of fine green foliage, topped in mid to late summer by soft, buff-coloured plumes that sway delicately above the clump. Its smaller size makes it ideal for edging, small spaces, and containers, while its graceful habit adds gentle movement and texture to sunny plantings. Warm golden tones emerge in fall, extending its beauty well into the cooler months.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 40–50 cm (in flower)
• Spread: 45–60 cm
• Flower Colour: Soft tan
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer
• Foliage: Fine green blades arching in a compact mound; golden in fall
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established

Uses and Benefits: 'Piglet' is ideal for the front of borders, narrow beds, and pathways where its compact size and flowing form can be fully appreciated. It’s also an excellent choice for container combinations and low-maintenance garden designs. Deer resistant and easy to grow, this little fountain grass offers season-long interest with a light touch.

Companion Plants: Pair Pennisetum 'Piglet' with Cerastium tomentosum 'Silver Carpet' for a silvery groundcover that highlights its fine texture. Add Coreopsis grandiflora 'Sterntaler' for sunny yellow blooms that energize the scene. Introduce Armeria maritima for neat mounds of grassy foliage and cheerful pink pom-pom flowers that echo the grass’s tidy scale.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Water during the first growing season to establish roots; afterward, it tolerates dry spells well. Cut back old foliage in early spring before new growth begins. Divide every 3–4 years to refresh growth and maintain size.

History: A naturally compact selection of Pennisetum alopecuroides, 'Piglet' was bred for smaller gardens and spaces where traditional fountain grasses may be too large. Its name reflects its modest stature and friendly presence in the landscape.

Final Thoughts: With soft texture, small-scale elegance, and lasting seasonal interest, Pennisetum 'Piglet' is the perfect choice for adding gentle movement and polished charm to intimate garden spaces.