Ornamental millet, also known as Pennisetum glaucum, is a popular grass used in gardens and landscapes for its striking appearance. However, it is important to note that ornamental millet is not a perennial plant. It is classified as an annual or tender perennial, depending on the climate and growing conditions.
In regions with mild winters, ornamental millet may survive as a perennial, but it typically performs best as an annual. This means that in colder climates, where temperatures drop below freezing during the winter months, ornamental millet will not survive outdoors.
The term “tender perennial” refers to plants that are not fully hardy and are susceptible to damage or death from frost or cold temperatures. Ornamental millet falls into this category because it cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and will die back if exposed to prolonged cold.
To preserve ornamental millet in colder regions, it is recommended to treat it as an annual or dig up small clumps of the grass before the first frost and overwinter them indoors. This can be done by carefully digging up the clumps, ensuring that the roots are intact, and placing them in containers filled with well-draining soil. The containers can be kept indoors in a cool, dry location where temperatures remain above freezing.
During the winter months, it is crucial to provide minimal watering to the overwintered millet plants. Too much moisture can lead to root rot or other fungal diseases. It is best to keep the soil slightly moist but not overly saturated.
In the spring, when the threat of frost has passed, the overwintered millet plants can be transplanted back into the garden or containers outdoors. They will resume growth and provide a beautiful display throughout the growing season.
It is worth noting that ornamental millet is primarily grown for its foliage and unique seed heads, rather than its ability to withstand harsh winter conditions. The grass produces large, showy flower spikes that can range in color from deep purple to bronze or burgundy, adding visual interest to any garden or landscape.
Ornamental millet is not a perennial plant but rather a tender perennial or annual, depending on the climate. It cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and is best treated as an annual in colder regions. However, with proper care and overwintering indoors, it is possible to enjoy the beauty of ornamental millet year after year.