{"product_id":"pennisetum-desert-plains","title":"Pennisetum Prairie Winds® 'Desert Plains'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePennisetum Prairie Winds® 'Desert Plains'\u003c\/em\u003e: Fluffy Plumes and an Early Fall Blush\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSmoky purple plumes, red-tipped blades by midsummer and a fall finish in red, orange and gold. 'Desert Plains' looks like a sunset that decided to put down roots. NO CACTUS. NO SAND. ALL VIBES.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Characteristics:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003ePennisetum alopecuroides\u003c\/em\u003e 'Desert Plains'\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fountain Grass\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Prairie Winds®, a Proven Winners® perennial\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90–120 cm (3–4 ft)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpread:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90–120 cm (3–4 ft)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bottlebrush plumes about 13 cm (5 in) long that open smoky purple and age to tan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBloom Time:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late summer to fall (August to October)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFoliage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fine green blades with red tips from midsummer, turning red, orange and gold in fall\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good for cutting and drying\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Patent:\u003c\/strong\u003e USPP 20,751\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere to Plant:\u003c\/strong\u003e It's big enough to serve as a focal point, a low screen or the backbone of a sunny border. Repeat it along a driveway or use it as the tall centrepiece in a large container. The plumes hold up in fresh or dried arrangements, so it earns a spot in a cut-flower bed too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompanion Plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eAllium atropurpureum\u003c\/em\u003e brings deep purple globes in May and June, adding early colour before the grass gets going. \u003cem\u003eAster 'Mönch'\u003c\/em\u003e follows with lavender daisies from July to September at 60 to 75 cm. \u003cem\u003eLavandula 'SuperBlue'\u003c\/em\u003e edges the bed with blue lavender from June to August. The grass then takes over with its plumes from August to October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Care:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. It handles sandy and average soils but does not tolerate wet soil, especially in winter, so skip low spots and heavy clay that stays soggy. Water through its first season, then only in long dry spells. Leave the foliage and plumes standing over winter. They add structure and help protect the crown. Cut it back to about 8–12 cm (3–5 in) in early spring before new growth starts. Divide in spring if the centre opens up. In zone 5, give it a sheltered, sunny spot with excellent drainage to help it through winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory:\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Desert Plains' was found by Gary Trucks of Amber Wave Gardens in West Michigan as a seedling of the fountain grass 'Cassian', and introduced by Walters Gardens in its Prairie Winds® collection. The species name \u003cem\u003ealopecuroides\u003c\/em\u003e means foxtail-like, a nod to the fluffy plumes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Thoughts:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut the plumes for a dried bouquet, keep the clump for the fall fireworks. Deer pass right by. THE SUNSET STAYS ALL SEASON.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ornamental Grasses","offers":[{"title":"1 Gallon Pot \/ 5","offer_id":67822605566230,"sku":"PENNDEP01","price":32.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0870\/5366\/4534\/files\/PennisetumPrairieWinds_DesertPlains.png?v=1793789819","url":"https:\/\/blacksheepperennials.com\/products\/pennisetum-desert-plains","provider":"Black Sheep Perennials","version":"1.0","type":"link"}