Pennisetum massaicum Red Buttons Aspidistra Under good growing conditions

Under good growing conditions

Each tiny but surprisingly vigorous 8" wide clump is topped in late spring with 8" spikes of light lavender flowers

The true Gladiolus communis ssp

pure white center

At midsummer the clumps are topped with stalks of lavender flowers

Pennisetum massaicum Red Buttons Aspidistra Under good growing conditionsThis well behaved Kenyan native makes a delightful airy addition to the summer garden. Pennisetum massaicum 'Red Buttons' makes a 2' tall x 4' wide clump of narrow green foliage, topped from midsummer until early fall with a mass of 3' tall plumes that top the foliage by about 1'. The plumes emerge reddish brown, and age to tan. Our neglected 22 year old clumps still look stunning, and we've yet to see a single seedling.