Cenchrus, Ornamental Millet 'Jester'

Cenchrusamericanus

Family
Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Cenchrus (SENCH-rus)
Species
americanus (a-mer-ih-KAY-nus)
Synonym
Pennisetum glaucum
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade
Foliage
Grown for foliage
Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Bloom Color
Dark Purple/Black
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Annuals
Ornamental Grasses and Bamboo
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Chartreuse/Yellow
Orange/Apricot
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Denver, Colorado

Elizabeth City, North Carolina

Salt Lake City, Utah

Tacoma, Washington

Featured Videos

Gardener's Notes:

2
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
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B
Prosperity, SC (Zone 7b) | May 2011 | positive

Saw some at our local Zoo, will be in some of my containers next year. I used the purple majesty 2011 they are now going to be supports ...Read More

L
Near Lake Erie, NW, PA (Zone 5a) | April 2007 | positive

I like using ornamental millet for height in my large containers. Always used Purple Majesty, but Jester will add a different color inter...Read More

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