The current fashion for grasses means that the offers of most nurseries and garden centers include a very wide range of them.Recently, cultivars bred in Poland are also appearing more and more often.An example of a successful introduction to the market of a native variety of grass is the Japanese pennisetum alopecuroides 'Lady U', obtained by Krzysztof Słowiński from the Słowińscy nursery. The plant was successfully presented to a wide audience in 2016 at the Novelties Plant Competition of the International Exhibition "Green is Life".
Japanese Rozplenica is a species with a wide range of natural occurrence. It grows in vast areas of East Asia and the East of Australia, also in grasslands, in full sun or light shade.The climate of these areas is milder than the one prevailing in the country, therefore some varieties do not winter here.These plants, however, are so effective and easy to produce that they are often treated as seasonal, and additionally used to decorate balconies, terraces, and even garden compositions with other annuals.
The 'Lady U' variety tolerates temperature drops down to -23⁰C well, so it is worth covering for the winter. Leaving dried leaves in the fall and removing them only in spring contributes to better wintering.This grass grows best in warm, sunny and sheltered places.Does not like dryness or excess water in the substrate. However, it prefers slightly moist, well-drained soils with a high humus content.
Japanese Rozplenica 'Lady U' looks beautiful when planted in groups on perennial beds, moors and in rock gardens.Also suitable for growing in containers.
Growing conditions
Japanese Rozplenica 'Ladu U' is a grass with a hemispherical, compact habit, exceptionally effective during flowering. It grows strongly, reaching 1.2-1.5 m. It creates dense clumps of even, dark green, slightly overhanging leaves, which turn yellow in autumn.From the beginning of August to the end of September, magnificent inflorescences in the form of spiky, cylindrical panicles resembling a bottle brush appear on the tips of the stalks.
The inflorescences are beige-purple with a distinct silvery cloud of delicate thorns on which dew collects on autumn mornings.Plants planted in a group create wonderful fields, effectively waving even in gentle winds.
