Pennisetum glaucum 'Jester' – colorful ornamental grass for modern gardens

Pennisetum glaucum , commonly known as ornamental millet, is an annual ornamental grass popular for its decorative plumes and versatile use in gardens, borders, and pots. The cultivar 'Jester' stands out with its spectacular purple to wine-red plumes and greenish-purple foliage, adding vibrant color accents to both sleek and natural garden designs.

Thanks to its light, airy appearance and graceful movement in the wind, Pennisetum glaucum 'Jester' is an ideal plant for cutting gardens, ornamental gardens, and modern borders. It also combines well with perennials, annuals, and grasses for a dynamic garden look.

Description and growth habit – elegant and striking

Pennisetum glaucum 'Jester' grows upright and bushy, reaching a height of 120–150 cm and a width of about 60–80 cm. The narrow, lance-shaped leaves range in color from green to purplish and form an elegant base for the long, upright panicles, which can reach up to 25 cm in length.

Flowering takes place from summer to autumn, the plumes creating an airy and graceful effect that is highly decorative in the garden, flower arrangements, or cut bouquets. Thanks to its sturdy stems, this ornamental grass also makes a great cut flower in vases.

Cultivation and care

Pennisetum glaucum 'Jester' is an easy-to-grow annual, provided the right conditions are provided:

• Sowing: Sow indoors in March or directly outdoors after the last frost.

• Position: Full sun for optimal leaf and plume color; light shade is possible but may reduce leaf intensity.

• Soil: Well-drained, slightly nutritious; avoid wet feet.

• Watering: Water regularly during dry periods, but tolerant of short droughts.

• Care: Spent flowers can be used in dried bouquets; plants can be pruned at the end of the season.

This ornamental millet is relatively low-maintenance and grows quickly into a spectacular eye-catcher in annual borders.

Application and ornamental value

Pennisetum glaucum 'Jester' is versatile in the garden:

• Borders and ornamental gardens – adds height, colour and movement to flower-filled borders.

• Pot culture – suitable for terraces, balconies and patios.

• Pick-your-own gardens – plumes can be used in flower arrangements or dried bouquets.

• Combinations – perfect in combination with perennials, annual flowers and other ornamental grasses for a dynamic effect.

• Modern gardens – create a striking pop of colour with shades of purple, green and wine red.

With its long flowering period and vibrant colours, Pennisetum glaucum 'Jester' is a real mood-setter in summer and autumn gardens.