Pennisetum macrourum, a striking perennial grass, features tall, wiry stems crowned with narrow, cat-tail-like flower spikes from midsummer to the first frosts. Its buff-colored blooms add texture and movement, making it a stunning vertical accent for dry, sunny borders or large containers. Native to southern Africa and cultivated for over a century, it thrives in “well-drained yet moisture-retentive” soil and full sun. Though compact, it may spread through runners, easily managed by removal in late autumn. In colder climates, container-grown plants can be overwintered indoors.