Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'
Hameln Dwarf Fountain Grass
- Family
- Poaceae
- Height
- 24–36 inches
- Width
- 18–30 inches
- Flower color
- Greenish-cream
- Foliage color
- Green, turning golden-yellow in fall
- Bloom time
- Midsummer
- Light
- Full sun
- Water
- Dry to average moisture; drought-tolerant once established
- Maintenance
- Low; cut back in early spring before new growth emerges
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5–9
- Wildlife
- Attracts songbirds; deer-resistant
About this plant
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' is a compact ornamental grass that blooms from mid to late summer. It produces soft, greenish-cream flower panicles that arch gracefully above the foliage, adding a delicate touch to garden landscapes. Originating from Asia and Australia, this cultivar has been selected for its reduced size and refined habit, making it suitable for smaller gardens and various landscape applications.
The plant's finely textured, mid-green leaves form a dense clump that transitions to golden-yellow in the fall before fading to beige, providing visual interest throughout multiple seasons. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, 'Hameln' is valued for its resilience, attracting songbirds while remaining deer-resistant. Its adaptability to full sun and partial shade, along with its minimal maintenance requirements, make it a versatile choice for borders, mass plantings, or decorative containers.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Bird Gardens · Waterwise Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Garden phlox · Black-eyed Susans · Daylilies · Lavender · Coreopsis · Russian sage
Design tip
The long summer show pairs well with plants that peak earlier, keeping one area interesting for months. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Center for Urban Horticulture.
