Pennisetum 'Karley Rose'

Pennisetum 'Karley Rose': Rosy Plumes, Early and Upright

Soft, fluffy rose-purple plumes that start in midsummer and keep going like they never got the memo that the party ended. 'Karley Rose' is STILL DANCING WHEN THE LIGHTS COME ON.

Plant Characteristics:

• Botanical Name: Pennisetum orientale 'Karley Rose'
• Common Name: Oriental Fountain Grass
• Height: 90–100 cm (3–3.3 ft) in flower
• Spread: 60–90 cm (2–3 ft)
• Flowers: Soft, fluffy rose-purple plumes that fade to straw over winter
• Bloom Time: Midsummer to fall (July to October)
• Foliage: Deep green, gracefully arching blades in an upright clump
• Features: Long blooming
• Plant Patent: USPP 12,909

Where to Plant: It's a lovely softener in a sunny border, especially between plants with bold, flat flowers. It also works in mass plantings, gravel gardens, large containers and cut-flower beds, where it plays the tall, airy role.

Companion Plants: Centaurea 'Amethyst in Snow' starts things off with bicolour cornflowers from May to July. Delphinium 'Pagan Purples' rises to 120 to 180 cm with purple spikes from June, with a second flush in late summer if cut back. Aster 'Pink Crush' finishes the year with pink asters in September and October, echoing the rosy plumes of the grass. It's a long-season mix for a sunny border.

Plant Care: Plant in full sun in average, well-drained soil. It likes regular moisture while getting established, then handles dry spells well. Avoid sites that stay wet in winter, since soggy soil is harder on fountain grasses than cold is. In zone 5, a sheltered, well-drained spot helps. Leave the clump standing for winter. Cut it back to about 10 cm (4 in) in early spring before new shoots appear. Divide in spring when the centre thins out.

History: 'Karley Rose' was discovered in 1995 by David Skwiot of Sunny Border Nurseries in Connecticut and named after his daughter, picked for its darker green leaves and taller, more upright habit. It's considered hardier than ordinary Pennisetum orientale, which is native to central and southwest Asia.

Final Thoughts: Drought tolerant, deer resistant and blooms longer than most summer flings. Plant one. You'll want a second. COMMITMENT LOOKS GOOD ON YOU.