Plant Calculator
Enter the approximate length and width of the area you will be planting and click 'Calculate' to determine how many Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' you will need.
*Correct and successful spacing is complex and depends on project conditions.
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln'
Grass, Dwarf Hameln
- Small Borders
- Mass Plantings
- Erosion Control
- Category: Ornamental Grass
- Hardiness Zone: 5a
- Height: 18-24 in
- Spread: 24-30 in
- Spacing: 18-24 in
- Bloom Color: White
Dwarf Hameln Grass is a compact, clump-forming ornamental grass known for its fine-textured foliage and soft, bottlebrush-like flower spikes. A smaller cultivar of Fountain Grass, it offers a refined appearance while maintaining the same graceful arching habit. This grass thrives in Texas landscapes, providing year-round interest with its green summer foliage, tan seed heads in fall, and golden hues in winter before dormancy. It is non-toxic and generally avoided by deer, making it a low-maintenance addition to gardens and commercial landscapes alike.
Ideal for borders, mass plantings, and container use, Dwarf Hameln Grass performs best in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a variety of soil conditions but thrives in well-draining soils, whether they are neutral, acidic, or slightly alkaline. It handles occasional drought but benefits from supplemental watering in extreme heat. While adaptable to Texas’s varying climates, it does not tolerate extended periods of poor drainage or heavy clay. The soft, feathery plumes emerge in late summer, transitioning from pale tan to golden brown, adding visual appeal well into winter.
This compact grass typically reaches a mature height of 18 to 24 inches and a width of 24 to 30 inches. When planting as a hedge or groundcover, space plants 18 to 24 inches apart for a full, uniform look. Its rounded shape and elegant movement in the breeze make it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, mixed perennial beds, and erosion control on slopes.
In winter, Dwarf Hameln Grass enters dormancy and should be cut back in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. Trimming the foliage to about 4-6 inches will promote fresh, healthy shoots. It is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, making it a reliable choice for most of Texas, except for the coldest northern regions where it may require extra protection during extreme freezes.