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Pennisetum setaceum ‘Fireworks’ (Purple Fountain Grass)

Purple Fountain Grass, Red Fountain Grass, Tender Fountain Grass, Pennisetum advena 'Fireworks'

Pennisetum Setaceum Fireworks, Purple Fountain Grass information, Red Fountain Grass information, Purple Fountain Grass design ideas, Red Fountain Grass design ideas
Pennisetum Setaceum Fireworks, Purple Fountain Grass information, Red Fountain Grass information, Purple Fountain Grass design ideas, Red Fountain Grass design ideas

Incredibly showy, Pennisetum setaceum ‘Fireworks’ (Purple Fountain Grass) is a clump-forming, warm season grass boasting erect to arching linear leaves. Flat, the leaves are brilliantly variegated with longitudinal stripes of burgundy-red, hot-pink, green and white. In mid to late summer, long crimson plumes, 12 in. (30 cm), are held on arching stems above the foliage. They gradually fade to pale brown in the fall. Requiring very little care and providing striking color as well as graceful movement in the garden or patio, ‘Fireworks’ is sterile and does not set seeds. Heat and drought tolerant, this warm season grass is stunning as a specimen or in groups. Evergreen in mild winter areas.

  • Grows in 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm)
  • Performs best in full sun in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Provide consistent water throughout the growing season. Protect from strong winds.
  • Welcomed in any garden style, it is versatile and can be used as a specimen plant, in groups or en masse. It is ideal in beds and borders where it provides texture, color and contrast, great in coastal gardens, cottage gardens, city gardens and absolutely lovely in containers.
  • Tender, it is mostly grown as an annual in cool climate areas.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant!
  • Cut back old foliage to the ground in late winter.
  • Propagate by division in spring.

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Heat Zones 8 - 12
Climate Zones 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Poaceae
Genus Pennisetum
Common names Fountain Grass
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Pennisetum glaucum ‘Purple Majesty’ (Ornamental Millet)
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ (Fountain Grass)
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Red Head’ (Fountain Grass)
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Burgundy Bunny’ (Fountain Grass)
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Little Bunny’ (Fountain Grass)
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Desert Plains’ (Fountain Grass)

Recommended Companion Plants

Heliotropium arborescens (Heliotrope)
Argyranthemum frutescens Vanilla Butterfly® (Marguerite)
Euphorbia hypericifolia ‘Diamond Frost’
Pelargonium ‘Americana White’ (Zonal Geranium)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Native Plant Alternatives to Pennisetum setaceum (Fountain Grass)
Native Plant Alternatives to Pennisetum alopecuroides (Fountain Grass)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 11
Heat Zones 8 - 12
Climate Zones 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Ornamental Grasses
Plant Family Poaceae
Genus Pennisetum
Common names Fountain Grass
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 36" (90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Showy
Tolerance Drought, Deer
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Coastal Garden, City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Pennisetum (Fountain Grass)
Not sure which Pennisetum (Fountain Grass) to pick?
Compare Now

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