Pennisetum ‘Fireworks’ is a stunning ornamental grass that adds a vibrant touch to any garden or landscape. Unlike its taller relative, Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’, ‘Fireworks’ stays fairly compact, reaching a height and width of only about 3-4 feet.
I have personally grown Pennisetum ‘Fireworks’ in my own garden, and I can attest to its beauty and manageable size. This compact growth habit makes it a great choice for smaller gardens or for adding pops of color to mixed border plantings.
One of the things I love most about Pennisetum ‘Fireworks’ is its striking foliage. The leaves are variegated with shades of burgundy, pink, and green, creating a dynamic and eye-catching display. This grass truly lives up to its name, as the foliage resembles bursts of fireworks in the garden.
To maintain the best appearance of Pennisetum ‘Fireworks’, it is recommended to give it a yearly cutback. This helps promote new growth that is tight and brilliant in color. I usually perform this cutback in early spring before new growth begins, but you can also do it in late winter if you prefer.
When pruning Pennisetum ‘Fireworks’, I trim back the entire plant to a height of about 4-6 inches from the ground. This helps rejuvenate the plant and encourages fresh, vibrant growth.
In addition to its compact size and stunning foliage, Pennisetum ‘Fireworks’ also produces attractive plumes in late summer and early fall. These plumes rise above the foliage and sway gracefully in the wind, adding movement and texture to the garden.
Pennisetum ‘Fireworks’ is a fantastic choice for adding color, texture, and interest to your garden or landscape. Its manageable size and stunning foliage make it a versatile and eye-catching plant. Whether planted in containers, borders, or mass plantings, ‘Fireworks’ is sure to make a dramatic statement.
